Judge who denied girl abortion over grades shortlisted for Florida’s top court

Jared Smith, who was ousted for decision, will be interviewed before Ron DeSantis picks new supreme court member

A Florida judge rejected by voters after denying a teenage girl an abortion citing her poor school grades is in line for a seat on the state supreme court as the Republican governor, Ron DeSantis, continues to turn the bench to the right.

Jared Smith will be interviewed alongside 14 others next month by a nominating commission that will make recommendations to DeSantis, who last week signed a six-week abortion ban into law.