KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida House District 47 voters will choose between two Puerto Rican Democrats in the Aug. 18 primary, setting the stage for one of Central Florida’s most closely watched legislative races.

Democratic candidates Jorge Figueroa and Anthony Nieves are presenting voters with two distinct campaigns centered on affordability, economic opportunity and improving the quality of life for residents across Osceola County.

The Democratic nominee will advance to the November general election, where the race could become even more competitive amid ongoing litigation involving Republican incumbent Rep. Paula Stark’s ballot qualification. While the court challenge has drawn statewide attention, Democratic candidates have focused their campaigns on earning the support of primary voters.

A growing Puerto Rican electorate

House District 47 serves communities in Osceola County, and parts of Orange County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions and home to one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental United States.

The district has become increasingly influential in Florida politics as Puerto Rican voters continue shaping elections at the local, state and federal levels. Both Democratic candidates say they understand the unique needs of families who relocated from Puerto Rico and those who have called Central Florida home for generations.

Jorge Figueroa emphasizes economic opportunity

Jorge Figueroa is campaigning on expanding economic opportunity while improving government accountability and public services.

His campaign has highlighted priorities including:

• Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs.
• Expanding workforce development.
• Promoting economic growth.
• Improving public safety.
• Increasing transparency in state government.
• Investing in neighborhood infrastructure.

Figueroa says state government should focus on creating opportunities that allow working families to succeed while ensuring taxpayers receive effective public services.

Anthony Nieves focuses on working families

Anthony Nieves brings previous campaign experience to the race after earlier bids for the Florida House.

His platform emphasizes policies affecting everyday families, including:

• Affordable housing.
• Public education.
• Access to healthcare.
• Economic mobility.
• Community investment.
• Increased constituent services.

Nieves has said the Legislature should prioritize lowering costs for families while strengthening public schools and expanding opportunities throughout Central Florida.

Shared priorities

Although each candidate brings a different background and campaign style, both have identified several common priorities:

• Addressing Florida’s housing affordability crisis.
• Strengthening public education.
• Supporting working families.
• Improving economic opportunity.
• Increasing access to healthcare.
• Delivering responsive constituent services.

The candidates also have emphasized the importance of listening to residents throughout the district and maintaining an active presence in the community if elected.

Puerto Rican representation

Regardless of the primary outcome, the Democratic nominee will reflect the growing political influence of Puerto Rican voters in Central Florida.

Puerto Rican residents have become an increasingly important voting bloc in Osceola and Orange Counties over the past decade, with many families citing education, affordable housing, healthcare, hurricane preparedness and economic opportunity among their top concerns.

Political observers say candidates who effectively connect with these issues often perform well in the district.

Why District 47 matters

House District 47 is considered an important legislative district because of its changing demographics, competitive elections and growing influence within Central Florida.

The representative elected from the district will vote on issues including:

• Florida’s annual state budget.
• Public education funding.
• Property insurance reforms.
• Housing affordability.
• Transportation infrastructure.
• Economic development.
• Healthcare policy.
• Disaster preparedness and recovery.

Looking Ahead

Democratic voters will choose their nominee in the Aug. 18 primary. Because Florida House District 47 is highly competitive. However, if a court rules that incumbent Republican Paula Stark is eligible to appear on the ballot, the general election is expected to remain one of Florida’s most closely watched legislative contests.

Meanwhile, litigation over Republican incumbent Paula Stark’s ballot qualification continues. While the courts determine the outcome, the Democratic candidates remain focused on presenting their vision for House District 47 and earning voters’ support in the Aug. 18 primary.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 intensified this week after candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations, prompting former State Rep. Daisy Morales to respond that while endorsements are important, elections are ultimately decided by voters.

Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations, including the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association, the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517, SMART Transportation Division PAC, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596.

“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.

He said the endorsements were especially meaningful because he grew up in a union household.

“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”

Vilchez Santiago said he would continue advocating for workers’ rights and policies that strengthen Florida’s middle class if elected.

Morales Congratulates Opponent, Recognizes Union Members

In response, Morales congratulated Vilchez Santiago on receiving the endorsements while recognizing the contributions of organized labor across Florida.

“I congratulate Mr. Vilchez Santiago on earning the support of these organizations and appreciate every group that participates in our democratic process,” Morales said.

Morales praised union members working as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, transportation employees and others who contribute to Florida’s economy.

“Every worker deserves respect, opportunity, safe workplaces, fair wages, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”

Morales Points to 2020 Democratic Primary

Morales said endorsements are valued but do not determine election outcomes.

She cited the 2020 Democratic Primary for Florida House District 48, when Vilchez Santiago received endorsements from elected officials, political organizations and advocacy groups before Morales defeated him and three other Democratic candidates to win the Democratic nomination.

Following that election, Florida Politics wrote that endorsements “didn’t matter” after Morales emerged victorious.

“That election demonstrated a principle that remains true today,” Morales said. “Political endorsements are valued expressions of support, but they never replace the judgment of the voters. The people—not political insiders or special interests—have the final say on Election Day.”

Morales later won the general election and represented House District 48 from 2020 to 2022.

Contrasting Campaign Messages

The exchange highlights the different messages each campaign is emphasizing as the Aug. 18 Democratic primary approaches.

Vilchez Santiago has focused on labor support, workers’ rights, affordability, housing, healthcare and reducing the influence of special interests.

Morales has centered her campaign on her legislative experience, bipartisan record and accomplishments during her term in the Florida House.

Morales said her official legislative record includes sponsoring and co-sponsoring more than 110 bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and helping secure more than $12.5 million in state appropriations supporting higher education, healthcare, workforce development, nonprofit organizations, infrastructure improvements and community projects.

Among the legislative priorities Morales highlighted were educational opportunities for disabled veterans, property tax relief, consumer protection, public safety, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure investments and services benefiting veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.

“Working families deserve representatives who deliver results—not just campaign promises,” Morales said.

Leadership and Experience

Morales said voters should evaluate candidates based on their accomplishments in public office.

“There is a clear difference in this race. My opponent is asking voters to consider who has endorsed his campaign. I am asking voters to examine my record of public service, legislative accomplishments, and proven results. Experience matters because results matter.”

She encouraged voters to review her official legislative record on the Florida House of Representatives website, which includes sponsored and co-sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting history and appropriations.

Primary Election Approaches

The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.

House District 43 includes portions of east Orange County, including Azalea Park, Union Park, Alafaya, Orlando, Rio Pinar and surrounding communities.

Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their respective strengths as voters begin casting ballots in one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.