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Ads Claim Republican-Backed Carmen Torres’ Donors Gave to Ron DeSantis, Donald Trump, and Big Insurance

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic Senate candidate Carmen Torres is under fire for alleged connections to Republican donors who have supported Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump. Political mailers claim Torres’ donors gave $20 million to Trump, DeSantis, and other extreme Republicans, but no evidence has surfaced to substantiate these claims.

Despite accusations, Torres has called the attack ads misleading. “Competition is good, but I don’t have to cheat, lie or bully people to get elected,” she declared in a statement to Florida Politics. Fundraising records show no overlap between major donors to Torres and Trump or DeSantis.

“It’s really sad that they would stoop this low,” Torres said to WESH 2 News.

The ads, sponsored by the Consumer Rights Action Fund, also accuse Torres of receiving $900,000 from the insurance industry—a claim traced back to a South Florida Sun-Sentinel article, which lacks the supposed citation. Torres raised over $112,000, but the donations don’t reflect contributions tied to Trump or DeSantis.

With an Aug. 20 Democratic Primary approaching, Torres is running against Kristen Arrington and former U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson.

 

Political Ad on Florida State Senate candidate Carmen Torres

 

Political Ad on Florida State Senate candidate Carmen Torres

 

Political Ad on Florida State Senate candidate Carmen Torres

 

Political Ad on Florida State Senate candidate Carmen Torres

 

 

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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