ORLANDO, Fla. — Orange-Osceola State Attorney Andrew Bain appeared to do an about-face Monday after reaction to an internal email titled "The Future is Uncertain" said he couldn't help in a transfer of power after losing the election to Monique Worrell.

In that internal email, Bain wrote that he accepts the results of the election, but citing state statutes, said he did “not yet feel I can assist her in that transition” because Worrell is still suspended.

After that email began circulating, Worrell released a statement saying in part:

“Today, I am disheartened but not surprised to learn that Andrew Bain is refusing to facilitate the peaceful transition of his appointed administration. This refusal is not only a betrayal of democratic principles, but also a stark reminder of the lengths to which some will go to cling to power.”

Following Worrell’s response, Bain released an official statement saying he would be willing to help with a smooth transfer of power.

“On Monday, State Attorney Andrew Bain sent an email to staff regarding the future of the State Attorney’s Office for the Ninth Judicial Circuit," the statement said. "We have received several questions regarding the email and are providing the following statement in response to those questions.

The state attorney is ready and willing to ensure a smooth transition. The state attorney’s term ends Jan. 6, 2025, and he will no longer be in office. Ms. Worrell’s term will begin Jan. 7, 2025. It is the intent of the state attorney to enforce the will of the people.”

In August 2023, Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended Worrell for what he described as failing to “faithfully prosecute crime.”

The suspension went to the Florida Supreme Court in Tallahassee and, ultimately, her suspension stuck.

That did not prevent Worrell from running again for office, though, and winning.