To get his old job back, former Broward Clerk of Courts Howard Forman is running against his former wife and current clerk, Brenda Forman.
He filed papers Monday with the Supervisor of Elections Office.
Howard Forman served as clerk for 16 years, before retiring in 2016. Brenda Forman, who was still married to him at the time, ran in his place and won. Both are registered Democrats.
Howard Forman filed divorce papers in March 2017 to end their four-year marriage. The next day, Brenda Forman went to court seeking to be declared his guardian, saying he was incompetent and battling early signs of dementia.
A judge ruled last year that Brenda Forman acted in bad faith when she tried to get herself appointed administrator of her husband’s estate. Their divorce was finalized in February 2018.
Brenda Forman plans to seek re-election in the 2020 race, having filed her campaign papers in November. She has raised $1,400, according to her latest campaign report.
A third Democrat is also seeking the position. Michael E. Francis of Weston submitted his papers to the Supervisor of Elections Office in October and has reported raising $580 so far.
A fourth candidate, former circuit judge Paul Backman, is also expected to enter the race.
The clerk of courts oversees close to 1,000 employees who provide support to 90 judges. Included in the office’s duties are the filing of court proceedings, marriage licenses, collection of court fees and passport applications. The clerk is elected countywide and serves a four-year term.
Mitch Ceasar, the former longtime chairman of the Broward Democratic Party, let out a chuckle when told of Howard Forman’s decision and said he was only mildly surprised.
“I’ve learned politics in Broward never follows the usual boundaries,” Ceasar said. “As a kid, I grew up watching “Family Feud” on TV. Even in Broward, I didn’t think that was going to convert to a political race.”
Ceasar sat next to Howard Forman at the annual Democratic Party fundraiser dinner March 2 at Pier 66, but he said the topic of Forman running again didn’t come up.
“I had heard the rumor, but I thought it was just that, a rumor,” said Ceasar, who ran unsuccessfully against Brenda Forman for the position in 2016. Ceasar said he is now thinking about running for supervisor of elections in 2020.
This is breaking news. Check back for updates.
lbarszewski@SunSentinel.com, 954-356-4556 or Twitter @lbarszewski