Politics
Former State Rep Tom Keen eyes Orlando City Commissioner Seat 1
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former State Representative Tom Keen officially announced his campaign for Orlando City Commissioner in District 1, recently filing his candidacy in downtown Orlando.
Keen, who won a closely watched Special Election in House District 35 last year, lost re-election to Republican Erika Booth in November. His campaign for City Commissioner marks a shift in focus toward the Orlando Municipal Election, set for November 2025.
The Florida Democratic House minority caucus recently took a significant hit when two Democratic lawmakers switched to the Republican Party, citing a desire to prioritize their constituents’ needs over what one lawmaker described as serving in a “Protest Party.”
“As Buddy Dyer caps an incredible legacy as Mayor, the City Council will undergo drastic changes with members retiring or pursuing new roles in the region,” Keen said. “I want to make it clear early on that I am dedicated to making life better for the constituents in District 1.”
Keen, who previously flipped State House District 35 from Republican to Democrat in a January 2024 special election, emphasized his longstanding commitment to public service.
“I began my career in public service by spending 21 years in the Navy and continued that service in the Florida Legislature. My mission has always been the same: serving my community. This new step allows me to continue that mission by representing the people of District 1 of Orlando as a City Commissioner.
“Our city is growing incredibly fast, and we need leaders who are focused on protecting working families across Orlando. I’m launching my campaign because I’ve seen our citizens be put on the back burner, and we have glaring issues that need to be addressed.
“I will be a vocal advocate for public safety and clearing traffic, as well as encouraging smart growth policies that put citizens first while prioritizing small businesses. I’m looking forward to beginning this campaign, talking to voters, and traveling across the district to earn their support.”
Keen also announced several key endorsements:
- State Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith
- State Senator Kristen Arrington
- State Representative Lavon Bracy Davis
- State Representative Leonard Spencer
- State Representative Jose Alvarez
- Orange-Osceola Public Defender Melissa Vickers
- Orange County Commissioner Kelly Semrad
- Ocoee City Commissioner George Oliver III
- Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos
- Orange County School Board Member Maria Salamanca
- Orange County School Board Member Anne Douglas
- Miami-Dade County School Board Member Joe Geller
- Former US Senate Candidate Debbie Mucarsel Powell
- Former State Senator Victor Torres, Jr.
- Former State Representative Ricardo Rangel
- West Lakes Partnership Executive DirectorTimothy Ayers
The district is currently represented by Orlando City Commissioner Jim Gray, who has held the seat since 2012. The only other candidate currently filed for the District 1 race is Kevin Kendrick.
_________________________________________________________________________
J Willie David, III
Florida National News and FNN News Network
news@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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