You never want to hear this, regardless of someone’s political affiliation. Democrat Florida State Representative Joe Casello has died after suffering a heart attack. Rep. Joe Casello was 73. CBS News had more details to report on Rep. Casello’s sudden death: Florida State Rep. Joe Casello died after having a heart attack, Florida House Democrats announced. “We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time,” a post on X read. Casello was a firefighter in Worcester, Massachusetts, for three decades before entering politics in Florida. He served as a Boynton Beach city commissioner before becoming a state lawmaker. He had announced plans to run for a seat on the Palm Beach County Commission in 2026. His profile on the state House of Representatives website says he enjoyed golf and was elected in 2018. I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Florida Representative Joe Casello of Boyton Beach. He was universally well-liked and leaves a legacy of having sponsored legislation that started the Purple Alert system in Florida, used to find missing adults with intellectual,… pic.twitter.com/nOvyy0gawP — Dean Black (@DeanBlackFL) July 19, 2025 Florida House Democrats were the first to announce Casello’s death. Take a look: We are so sorry to say that Representative Joe Casello has passed away surrounded by his loving family and girlfriend, following a heart attack. He was 73.The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have offered their love and support during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/ZFZILow1qc — Florida House Democrats (@FLHouseDems) July 19, 2025 Yahoo News reported what will happen next now that Casello’s seat is empty: Under Florida law, Gov. Ron DeSantis is required to call a special election or special primary election when a vacancy occurs for a legislative seat because of a death.