ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida House District 43 candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced the endorsement of U.S. Congressman Darren Soto while reporting more than $160,000 raised since launching his campaign, signaling growing support among Democratic leaders and grassroots donors across Central Florida.

Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan political refugee who later became a U.S. citizen and prominent Democratic organizer in Orange County, is seeking to represent House District 43, which includes portions of East Orange County and Lake Nona.

Congressman Darren Soto Endorses Vilchez Santiago

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago has dedicated his career to uplifting our community, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for working families,” Soto said in a statement. “His commitment to public service and deep roots in our community are exactly what we need in the Florida House, and I’m proud to endorse him to be the next State Representative for HD 43.”

The endorsement adds one of Central Florida’s most influential Democratic voices to Vilchez Santiago’s growing coalition of supporters.

Campaign Reports More Than $160,000 Raised

According to the campaign, Vilchez Santiago has raised more than $160,000 since entering the race, including more than $32,000 during the most recent reporting period. The campaign reported receiving more than 700 contributions from over 500 unique donors and maintaining more than $110,000 cash on hand.

Campaign officials said the fundraising success will support voter outreach, communications, field organizing, and turnout efforts throughout District 43.

Investing in Grassroots Organizing

The campaign also announced the launch of a five-figure Fellowship Program designed to strengthen voter contact efforts while training the next generation of political organizers and community leaders.

“I am incredibly honored to earn Congressman Darren Soto’s endorsement,” Vilchez Santiago said. “Congressman Soto has been a tireless advocate for Central Florida’s families, workers, and small businesses, and I am grateful for his support.”

Vilchez Santiago also emphasized concerns about political representation in Central Florida.

“The partisan gerrymandering coming out of Tallahassee threatens to diminish Latino representation in Central Florida and silence communities that deserve a seat at the table,” he said. “Congressman Soto has always fought to ensure our voices are heard, and that’s exactly why it’s so important that we stand together and continue fighting for fair representation and opportunity for every family in our community.”

Statewide Democratic Leaders Unite Behind HD 43 Candidate

The endorsement underscores the significant political support Vilchez Santiago has assembled from current and former Democratic elected officials, labor organizations, and community leaders across Florida.

The endorsements reflect a significant investment of political capital by Democratic leaders statewide, who are backing Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan political refugee and former chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, in his bid to represent Florida House District 43.

Recent endorsements include SEIU Florida, representing more than 80,000 members statewide, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 606, and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Local 517.

He has also received endorsements from former state Sens. Annette Taddeo and Victor Torres, former Florida House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford, and former state representatives Anthony Suarez, Juan Carlos Planas, Joe Geller, Sean Shaw, Travaris McCurdy, Joe Saunders, and Dick Batchelor.

The coalition of support spans multiple regions of Florida and includes elected officials, labor leaders, and longtime Democratic activists who view Vilchez Santiago as a leading contender to represent one of Central Florida’s most diverse legislative districts.

A review of Florida Division of Elections records shows that, as of June 8, no additional Democratic candidates have filed to run for Florida House District 43. Republican candidate Robert Prater and write-in candidate Areeb Gulzar have entered the race for the seat being vacated by Rep. Johanna Lopez, who is seeking election to the Orange County Commission.

Candidate qualifying runs from June 8 through June 12, meaning additional candidates may still enter the race before the filing deadline.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, and the general election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.

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.