A long-shot Democratic hopeful for Florida governor is now better known for a mugshot than any campaign message — after a jaw-dropping arrest.

Kevin Cichowski, 46, had thrown his hat into the already crowded race to replace Governor Ron DeSantis. But Friday, his campaign took a shocking turn when he was hit with a laundry list of charges — including aggravated battery, witness tampering, and robbery — following what authorities describe as a violent incident inside a Palm Coast home.

And the alleged victims? His own elderly parents.

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the situation escalated early Friday morning after a frantic 911 call. Deputies say Cichowski became aggressive — allegedly striking one parent with a cane, throwing a cellphone at the other, and even brandishing a firearm.

The caller reportedly told dispatchers that Cichowski threatened to kill them multiple times — and warned he would kill law enforcement if they were contacted. By the time deputies arrived, the victims were barricaded in a bedroom — frightened and unable to escape, with one bedridden.

After safely removing the victims, deputies arrested Cichowski without further incident. But the drama continued. Bodycam footage reportedly shows him claiming he was the victim, accusing his parents of mental health issues and even alleging his father tried to kill him. “I haven’t done anything wrong… This is insane,” he said as he was taken into custody.

Authorities say things escalated again on the way to jail, when Cichowski allegedly made suicidal statements — leading officers to invoke Florida’s Baker Act for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Palm Coast man, who is currently running for governor and previously ran for mayor, following a domestic disturbance with a weapon in the C-Section of Palm Coast.

READ: https://t.co/PCpShBZFKr pic.twitter.com/Qt5WK7bjWE

— Flagler County Sheriff’s Office (@FlaglerSheriff) April 10, 2026

The charges are extensive:
▪️ Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon (2 counts)
▪️ Battery on a person over 65 (2 counts)
▪️ Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon
▪️ Witness tampering
▪️ Robbery by sudden snatching (2 counts)

Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized how dangerous the situation could have been, praising deputies for preventing a potentially tragic outcome. And this isn’t his first arrest. Records show a 2024 case involving domestic battery, strangulation, and false imprisonment.

As of now, Cichowski remains in custody without bail, with an arraignment set for May 5. His campaign? Effectively gone — website offline, political future in serious doubt.

He was once one of dozens vying for the governor’s mansion. Now, his campaign has come to an abrupt halt — behind bars.

Because even in Florida politics… there are limits.