OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Jorge Figueroa, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and a longtime economic advocate, has officially entered the race for the Florida House, seeking to represent voters in the St. Cloud–Osceola County region.

Figueroa said his campaign will center on affordability, property insurance reform, and expanding economic opportunity for working families. His announcement comes as Democrats continue efforts to flip the district after recent unsuccessful attempts, including in House District 47.

“I’m running to make Florida more affordable for working families and small business owners,” Figueroa said. “I grew up in public housing in Puerto Rico and came to the mainland at 16 to chase opportunity. My parents sold everything they owned so I could get an education—a sacrifice that changed my life.”

As president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Figueroa has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping small businesses grow and strengthening economic pathways for local families. He said too many Floridians continue to struggle with skyrocketing property insurance costs, unaffordable rent, and rising prices for essentials such as groceries and gas.

The seat—representing a key portion of Osceola County—has become increasingly competitive in recent cycles, and Democrats hope Figueroa’s business background and personal story will energize voters ahead of the 2026 election.

Democrat Anthony Nieves, a former state financial crimes investigator is running again for Florida House District 47 seat.

OCALA, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, now officially a candidate for Florida Governor, continued his early statewide outreach with a keynote appearance at the Achievement Week Banquet at the College of Central Florida on November 15. Demings attended as a special guest alongside his wife, former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings.

The event, hosted by the Friendship and Faith Foundation, Inc. and the Psi Chi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., centered on the theme “Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future.” Ocala was one of several stops following Demings’ recent kickoff event in Orlando as he works to introduce his platform to voters across the state.

Demings Ramps Up Statewide Voter Outreach

Following his launch, Demings and Val Demings have begun traveling across Florida to connect with local voters, community leaders, clergy, and elected officials. Ocala represented a strategic stop as the campaign aims to build momentum in Central and North Florida—regions essential for any Democratic path to victory.

File – U.S. Representative Val Demings (D-10, Florida) spoke during Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings’s COVID-19 press conference at Orange County Emergency Operations Center, providing an update about the House passing the Family First Coronavirus Act Saturday, March 14, 2020. Photo: Willie David/Florida National News.

Fundraising Will Be Critical for Competitive Primary Run

Demings enters the race facing an expensive and competitive Democratic primary in August. His campaign will require substantial financial backing to match better-funded opponents and reach voters statewide.

He benefits from the political star power of Val Demings, who brings statewide and national recognition after her high-profile 2022 U.S. Senate campaign, during which she raised approximately $80 million. Her network is expected to be a major asset as fundraising efforts intensify.

Two of the most notable Democratic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are former U.S. Congressman David Jolly and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings

Crowded Gubernatorial Field Presents Challenges

Demings will face Democrat David Jolly (see above photo) and other emerging candidates in the primary. Jolly, a former Republican who became a Democrat, has slowly built early support and fundraising momentum with endorsements from several Democratic leaders prior to Demings’ entry.

Three of the most notable Republic candidates in Florida’s 2026 gubernatorial race are US Congressman Byron Donalds, Lt. Governor Jay Collins and Former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner.

On the Republican side, candidates such as Byron Donalds (endorsed by US President Doanld Trump) are leading in fundraising efforts, bolstered by the GOP’s advantage of 1.4 million more registered voters than Democrats statewide—an obstacle any Democratic nominee must overcome.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ) – According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, former Florida State Senator Victor Torres, Jr. has officially filed paperwork to run for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat (11/10/2025) — one of two new districts added as part of the county’s historic expansion of its governing board.

Veteran Lawmaker Eyes County-Level Leadership

At 78 years old, (born July 22, 1947) Torres is making a return to public service at the local level after more than a decade of elected leadership in the Florida Legislature, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Known for his advocacy on transportation, veterans’ affairs, and working-class families, Torres brings extensive legislative experience and name recognition to the race.

Overview: New Orange County Commission Districts 7 and 8

The Orange County Commission expanded from six to eight districts following population growth revealed in the 2020 U.S. Census and the adoption of new district boundaries. The addition of Districts 7 and 8 aims to ensure more equitable representation for residents across Central Florida’s diverse and expanding communities.

• District 7 includes portions of northwest Orange County, designed to represent urban neighborhoods and fast-developing residential zones.

• District 8, where Torres has filed to run, covers southern and southeastern Orange County, encompassing areas of rapid growth, economic development, and suburban expansion.

The 2026 local elections will mark the first time voters in these new districts elect their representatives to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com