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Florida’s 1st Puerto Rican GOP State Rep, John Quiñones, Takes On Florida’s 1st Puerto Rican Congressman, Darren Soto

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Former Florida State Representative and Osceola County Chairman John Quiñones. Photo: Florida House Representatives
Former Florida State Representative and Osceola County Chairman John Quiñones. Photo: Florida House Representatives

KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) – John “Q” Quiñones, the first Puerto Rican Republican State Representative and Chairman of Osceola County Commission, is challenging Florida’s first Puerto Rican congressman, Darren Soto.

If there’s a wave of victories in 2024, it will be powered by Puerto Rican candidates in Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties—if they can energize Puerto Rican voter turnout. Puerto Rican Democrats and Republicans could make more historic gains in Florida by winning more seats in the state House and state Senate. In fact, Puerto Ricans could have a political stronghold on the I-4 corridor.

And for Quiñones, this race is all about Puerto Rican representation.

“I am running for Congress because I believe that we need to restore common sense to Washington,” said Quiñones in his campaign press release. “I will fight for the values that matter to our families and our community, like lower taxes, a better education for our children, and safe and secure communities. I have a proven track record of fighting for the people of Florida, and I pledge to be a strong voice for Central Florida in Congress.

“I am confident that I can win this race and bring common sense back to Washington,” said Quiñones.

“As a proud Puerto Rican born American, I am asking for your support so that we can fix the broken economic policies of the Biden Administration and make a difference in the lives of hard-working Floridians and their families.”

Quiñones made history in 2002 as the first Puerto Rican Republican ever elected to the Florida Legislature. Florida’s 9th Congressional District has been listed as a top target for the National Republican Congressional Committee after Governor Ron DeSantis won the seat with a strong showing in 2022. The predominantly Hispanic district is based mainly in Osceola County, where Quiñones served as Chairman of the County Commission. Osceola County is the fastest growing county in the district. DeSantis and Rubio won Osceola County in 2022, showing that the right candidate can win the district in 2024.

Quiñones is the second Republican to enter the race, following Angel Luis Coba, who filed to run against Congressman Soto March 2, 2023.

The primary election happens August 20, 2024 and the general election happens November 5, 2024.

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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