Politics
Former Tea Party Candidate Jose Alvarez Wins Democratic Primary for Florida House District 46
KISSIMMEE, Fla. (FNN) — In a surprising political shift, former Kissimmee mayor Jose A. Alvarez, who once ran as a Tea Party candidate in the 2010 Florida House District 79 race, has secured the 2024 Democratic Primary nomination for Florida House District 46. Alvarez, who initially aligned with the conservative Tea Party movement, now stands as the Democratic nominee, marking a significant evolution in his political journey.
Source: Florida Division of Election’s website
Alvarez’s political path has been anything but typical. In 2010, he challenged Republican incumbent Mike Horner for the Florida House District 79 seat, running on a platform that emphasized limited government and conservative values. His campaign under the Tea Party banner drew attention, particularly when Horner confronted Alvarez before he officially filed his candidacy.
According to Alvarez, “Horner told me things could get ugly” if he didn’t drop out of the race. Alvarez, a Realtor at the time, also recalled receiving calls from fellow brokers urging him to step aside. Horner, however, stated to Sunshine State Newsthat his intent was simply to inform Alvarez about the Florida TEA Party’s “real agenda,” which he claimed aimed to weaken Republican re-election efforts and assist Democrats in gaining seats in the state legislature.
Fast forward 14 years, and Alvarez’s recent victory in the Democratic primary underscores a remarkable transformation in his political alignment. His ability to connect with a diverse electorate in Osceola County highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of local politics.
Osceola County Election 2024: John Cortes Wins Recount, Advances to Runoff Against Jackie Espinosa for Kissimmee Mayor
With his Democratic nomination secured, Alvarez is set to compete in the general election for the Florida House District 46 seat. He will face Republican Michael Cruz and NPA Ivan Rivera on November 5, 2024. Alvarez’s journey from a Tea Party candidate to a Democratic nominee illustrates the evolving landscape of political identities and the complexities of voter appeal in contemporary elections.
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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