Politics
Carmen Torres and Daisy Morales’s primary losses threaten Puerto Rican political power in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The recent legislative primaries in Central Florida have marked a pivotal shift in the region’s political landscape, signaling a potential decline in Puerto Rican influence. Tuesday’s night defeats of two prominent Puerto Rican candidates, Carmen Torres and Daisy Morales, have raised concerns about the future of Hispanic representation in an area where non-Hispanic candidates are increasingly winning in districts with significant Hispanic populations.
Approximately 1.2 million Puerto Ricans live in Florida, with the largest concentration in Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties, making them a significant voting bloc in the state.
In 2016, Puerto Rican political power in Florida reached its peak, with representation at all levels: a seat in the U.S. Congress (D), one in the State Senate (D), and four in the State House (2 Democrats and 2 Republicans).
In Senate District 25, State Representative Kristen Arrington, who is white, flipped a historically Puerto Rican seat, defeating Carmen Torres, the wife of outgoing Senator Victor Torres. Arrington’s victory effectively ended a political dynasty that the Torres family had maintained within Central Florida’s Hispanic communities for nearly a decade.
Carmen Torres had strongly emphasized the importance of Hispanic representation in the Senate District 25 race, yet the Torres chose to endorse white candidates over Puerto Rican candidates running for House Districts within the Senate district.
– BALLOTPEDIA – CARMEN TORRES
“I am the only Hispanic Democratic candidate for this majority Hispanic seat, ensuring I can effectively communicate with and represent all constituents.”
The approach of Puerto Rican leaders endorsing white candidates while advocating for the election of more Hispanics to state office may lead to confusion among Spanish-speaking voters at the polls and could hinder efforts to increase Hispanic representation in Central Florida. This strategy could also have unintended consequences in elections for Governor, Attorney General, CFO, Commissioner of Agriculture, as well as congressional and presidential races.
State Rep. Daisy Morales sponsored House Resolution HR 8069 recognizes April 2nd as “Puerto Ricans Heritage Day” in Florida. Photo by Daisy Morales’ Facebook Page (District 44 Candidate)
The outcome of this race, combined with the defeat of former State Representative Daisy Morales, has raised concerns about the diminishing political influence of Puerto Ricans in the region. Morales, once the highest-ranking Puerto Rican woman in Florida, lost her seat as a result of backlash from Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s supporters, whom she defeated in the 2020 State House race. Influential groups like the Torres family, Alianza For Progress, and United For Progress played a significant role in this, further weakening Puerto Rican representation in Florida’s legislature.
In 2022, Lopez and Santiago may have achieved their revenge, but it came at a significant cost to Puerto Rican representation at the state level, including the failure to win back the House District 44 seat and the Senate District 25 seat in 2024.
Political attacks and disinformation campaigns targeting Morales provided white contenders with a strategy to defeat Hispanic candidates. In the Senate race, an external group launched questionable political mailers accusing Carmen Torres’ donors of being aligned with Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis, and major insurance corporations. “Torres: Essentially a Republican, the mailer claimed.”
Endorsements: The Torres family is a political dynasty within Central Florida.
Adding to the controversy, the Torres family endorsed white candidates—Tom Keen in House District 35 and Jennifer Rita Harris in House District 44—over two prominent Puerto Rican candidates, Marucci Guzmán and Daisy Morales.
Advocating for Latinos in Central Florida, Marucci Guzman speaks to local news media (District 35 Candidate)
This decision has sparked debates over the implications of such endorsements, particularly in a district with a large Hispanic population. The Torres family’s history of endorsing non-Hispanic candidates over Hispanic contenders has contributed to a growing trend where Hispanic voters are increasingly supporting white, Black, and Asian candidates, particularly in races like those in House Districts 35, 44, 46, 47 and, Senate District 25.
Shift: White Candidates Are Winning More State Seats
Puerto Rican Political Power Faces Decline as White Representation at the State Level Dominate in Central Florida
As non-Hispanic candidates (Reps Tom Keen (D-35), Kristina Arrington (D-46), Jennifer Rita Harris (D-44) and Paula Stark (R-47)) continue to gain ground in districts with significant Hispanic populations, the Puerto Rican community in Central Florida faces the risk of political extinction. The recent primary results underscore the challenges ahead for Puerto Rican candidates and the broader Hispanic community as they navigate a shifting political landscape.
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds continued his campaign for governor by engaging Latino voters during a stop on his “Defending the Florida Dream” tour in Kissimmee, where he shared his vision for Florida’s future and discussed key issues impacting Hispanic communities.
Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News
Florida National News was on hand to capture the event as Donalds met with supporters and community leaders while emphasizing economic opportunity, education, public safety, and preserving what he described as the “Florida Dream.”
Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News
Latinos for Byron Coalition Launch
The Kissimmee event follows Donalds’ May 2026 launch of the Latinos for Byron Coalition, a statewide effort designed to strengthen support among Hispanic voters ahead of Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary.
The Trump-endorsed congressman announced the coalition during a rally at Hialeah Park in Miami-Dade County, drawing approximately 300 supporters. Many attendees waved American and Cuban flags as Donalds outlined his vision for Florida and highlighted the growing influence of Latino voters in state politics.
Nación De Fe, Kissimmee, Florida. Photo by Hidekel Griffin / Florida National News
Republican Leaders Show Support
Joining Donalds at the Hialeah event were several Republican elected officials, including Hialeah Mayor Bryan Calvo, the city’s youngest mayor and a lifelong resident. State leaders in attendance included Sen. Bryan Avila and Reps. Juan Porras, David Borrero, and Alex Rizo.
Donalds said Hispanic communities play a vital role in Florida’s economy, culture, and future, and he pledged to continue policies focused on economic growth, educational excellence, and public safety.
Building a Statewide Coalition
The Defending the Florida Dream tour is expected to continue across Florida as Donalds works to build a broad coalition of supporters ahead of the 2026 election cycle. His campaign has placed a particular emphasis on engaging Hispanic voters, who represent one of the fastest-growing and most influential voting blocs in the state.
As the gubernatorial race develops, Latino outreach efforts are expected to play a significant role in shaping the Republican primary and the general election.
Florida National News will continue to follow the Defending the Florida Dream tour and provide updates from campaign stops across the state.
Siegel, widely known as the “Queen of Versailles” and the widow of late timeshare Billionaire David Siegel, welcomed community leaders, business professionals, supporters, and guests interested in learning more about Razack’s campaign and priorities.
A Different Kind of Candidate
As voters across The Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, Hernando County, Polk County, and portions of Pasco County prepare for the August 18, 2026 Republican primary, Razack is positioning himself as a candidate whose professional experience differs significantly from that of traditional politicians.
A board-certified neurosurgeon, Razack has spent decades treating patients, leading medical teams, teaching future physicians, practicing law, and building healthcare organizations.
If elected, Razack would join a small number of physicians serving in Congress and could become Florida’s first neurosurgeon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The most prominent American neurosurgeon to enter national politics is Ben Carson. Although he never served in Congress, Carson gained national recognition through his 2016 presidential campaign and later served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet.
Healthcare Expertise at the Forefront
During the gathering, Razack discussed issues affecting residents throughout Central Florida, including healthcare access, Medicare, physician shortages, veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, public safety, and economic opportunity.
“Congress has many career politicians, but very few physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and solving complex problems,” Razack told Florida National News during an interview at the Siegel estate. “As Washington debates healthcare, Medicare, physician shortages, and patient care, it is critical that medical professionals have a seat at the table and help shape policies that impact millions of Americans.”
Razack emphasized that his background in medicine, law, education, and business provides a unique perspective on public policy and government reform.
Appeal to The Villages and Senior Voters
The Villages and surrounding communities represent one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and senior citizens, making healthcare and retirement security among the most important issues for many voters.
Razack’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on protecting Medicare for current beneficiaries, expanding access to physicians and specialists, supporting veterans’ healthcare services, reducing unnecessary healthcare bureaucracy, and promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.
Supporters argue that his experience making life-and-death decisions as a neurosurgeon demonstrates the type of leadership and accountability voters are seeking from elected officials.
From the Operating Room to Congress
Razack told attendees that his campaign is centered on bringing practical problem-solving experience to Washington.
“For decades, I have worked in environments where results matter and failure is not an option,” Razack said. “The challenges facing our nation require leaders who can analyze problems, build consensus, and deliver solutions.”
As the Republican primary campaign begins to take shape, Razack is expected to continue introducing himself to voters throughout Florida’s 11th Congressional District while emphasizing his record of service in medicine, education, law, healthcare leadership, and business development.
Listed below are the candidates currently filed for Florida’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of Daniel Webster, late April 2026.
Republican Candidates
- Carey Baker
- Chanelle Krisette Barnes
- Ivette Palomo
- Nizam Razack
- Anthony Sabatini
- Ryan Lee Smith
- Tim Wilkins
- Mike Wilnau
Democratic Candidates
- Barbara Harden Hall (“Barbie”)
- Walter J. Walker
- Royal Sylvester Webster II
- Dan Williams
Libertarian Candidate
- Ralph Groves
The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
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