Politics
[Opinion] Post-Election Support for Trump is Unprecedented
UNITED STATES (FNN NEWS) – From Indiana to Florida, coast to coast, and everywhere in between, Americans still love President Trump.
Picture it: 15,000 screaming fans, some having waited in line for hours all wanting to see their star performer. But we’re not talking about a rock concert or final four college basketball game. No, we’re talking about an audience of “Trumpers,” a slang name for those who rally and support our President, waiting to see him take the stage. Music energizes the crowds, including everything from Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.” I’m not talking about pre-election rallies. We’re talking about the campaign continuing and people steadfast in their support of President Trump today, some six months after the election. As you know, President Trump filed to run for reelection on inauguration day, January 21, 2017, immediately igniting his base once again. But what exactly is the draw? I talked with a few loyal “Trumpers” to get the answer. To them, 2020 isn’t that far away.
What is it about President Trump that “Trumpers” find so endearing? “The reason Trump supporters continue to like President Trump is he follows through and does what he said he would do on the campaign trail,” says Tony Ledbetter (below), Chairman of the Republican Party of Volusia County and Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Chairman’s Caucus. “President Trump is his own best strategist. President Trump is playing chess. He’s three moves ahead of everyone while others are playing checkers. He has done more for the American people in 100 days than any President in United States history,” continued Ledbetter who, by the way, was my boss on the Trump campaign serving as Regional Director in Central Florida. Recently, he was invited to the White House in appreciation for his efforts in the 2016 campaign. Ledbetter also hosts his own radio show, “Trump Talk Live,” on Florida 1150AM/93FM every Thursday at 7pm, recapping Trump happenings and clarification of media #FakeNews.
Photo courtesy of Tony Ledbetter (pictured, with President Trump).
Many find their affinity and loyalty to our President in his promises to the American people. “For me, it started from the first debate. His delivery on most topics resonated with me. Like he was truly talking to me,” said Lori Medlen, a court administrator for Avon Town Court in Indiana. Indiana easily went to President Trump in 2016. Medlen continued, “He makes me feel like it is possible for America to win again. He has passion and spirit that gets folks excited and involved. I am patient, loyal and will continue to support his efforts. I believe he desperately wants better for all Americans. My retirement account is showing good gains too.” Her sentiments resonated with many I sought feedback from.
Photo courtesy of Lori Medlen, Avon, Indiana (pictured)
Florida resident Leland McKee, special advisor to the Orange County Trump Republican Club, had this to say: “Voters are loyal to Trump because he remains very much an outsider free from Washington control. This is why they voted for Trump and will do so in greater numbers in 2020 for reelection.” Florida remains a key battleground state for anyone seeking the office of President, with all 99 delegates up for grabs for the top vote gainer. McKee added, “Reliable media outlets suggest 98 percent of likely voters who voted for Trump would vote for him again. Trump supporters are loyal because Trump has pretty much delivered on many campaign promises within his direct control.” Certainly the media is not a friend to our President, and McKee addresses that as well. “The mainstream media narratives of not funding the wall and repeal of Obamacare promises will take more time due to bureaucratic gridlock beyond Trump’s control.” (Obamacare repeal UPDATE below)
We must be patient with our President. He’s acknowledged the job, or the ability to get the work done, will take time. And after decades of underperforming presidents in various areas, reinventing this office will not happen overnight.
Photo courtesy of Leland McKee, special adviser to the Orange County Trump Republican Club.
Tennessee resident and Trump volunteer Elaine Ervin said, “I am loyal to President Trump because of the man he is. His actions have been bold, protective and loving for the American people. The President has never faltered on keeping the promises he made to us throughout the campaign.” Ervin’s support of our President is a consistent theme among “Trumpers.” Something about him and his sacrifice has touched people in a very unique and powerful way. “I would stand up and fight for this man with my dying breath – and there is no doubt he would do the same for America!” Ervin expressed. “President Trump loves America like no president in my lifetime. God bless him.”
Ervin traveled to Florida during the final weeks leading to the general election, assisting the Orange County 4 Trump team in its efforts to drive as many votes as possible for President Trump, who ultimately won the state of Florida.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Ervin (pictured), Tennessee volunteer.
More than once President Trump has reminded us he plans to keep his promise to America. “Promises Made Promises Kept” signs were visible throughout his campaign rally recently in Pennsylvania. For some, the promises like the border wall are simply not coming fast enough. We simply need to be reminded this “non” politician has been in office a few short months. I believe we’ll see substantial changes over the summer addressing these critical issues leading into a possible showdown in September. And excitingly, while writing this article, breaking news came on one of the campaign promises many suggested was reason enough to vote for Trump: the House repeal of Obamacare in a vote 217 to 212. There will be a battle in the Senate, but this is certainly a major victory for Americans and for President Trump and his administration. So it took a little more than 100 days…but only 5 days more. But who’s counting right?
Trump supporter Susan Haag noted, “President Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Secondly, as a working woman and small business owner, it’s nice to have some of the regulations removed so that small business owners can be successful. It makes people independent of government assistance.” President Trump recently signed an executive order that eliminated much of the red tape that makes running a business in America more challenging than necessary. Haag added, “President Trump wants America to be prosperous and safe for all of us.”
Haag is a enthusiastic volunteer for the Republican Party more recently helping organize and participate in voter registration efforts in West Orange County (FL). She has launched a monthly group, in cooperation with the West Orange Women’s Republican Federated, allowing people the flexibility of meeting in the evenings versus daytime hours. Haag concluded, “President Trump listens to the people.”
Photo courtesy of Susan Haag (pictured).
28,000 Doors? That’s the number of doors Maryann Pistilli, President of the Southeast Volusia County Republican Club and former Volusia County Regional Director of the Republican Leadership Initiative Program for the RPOF, knocked on last year to help get President Trump elected. Now that’s dedication and loyalty. Said Pistilli, “I will remain loyal to the President because he is a President of The People and for the People. He walked into the White House not owing any special interest or lobbyist a favor. He is all about America First.” In addition to getting to meet President Trump because of her remarkable grassroots efforts and ground game successes, Pistilli continues to promote President Trump with events such as one taking place this Saturday, in New Smyrna Beach. “On Inauguration Day, he gave the power back to the people. Together, with President Trump, we will continue to Make America Great Again,” explained Pistilli.
Photo courtesy of Maryann Pistilli (pictured)
WHY I’M WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP
A few have suggested I am attached to Trump’s celebrity as my motivation to work for and support him. That rumor might have been easier to believe in the beginning of the campaign when so many left leaning liberals consistently came at my support of President Trump with demeaning commentary and prediction of doom. They needed something to hate on … right? Actually, while I have always admired our President and did audition for and enjoy his reality show “The Apprentice” a number of years ago, it was his platform I formed an allegiance to, not his star status. But hey, it was pretty cool be part of introducing him at a rally and to be photographed with the President multiple times…not going to lie.
When President Trump speaks about Veterans and the need to take care of them, I trust he will. When he talks about border security and our need for the wall, I support him. When he addresses the deficit and unfair trade, I agree with him. Literally nearly every single part of his platform I believe is important to making America great again, and for that I will continue to be loyal to our 45th President of the United States. Of course, it’s no secret that my hope will be to continue working with the LGBTQ community who blindly follow the very left leaning narrative that President Trump is somehow against them. That’s simply not true and not supported by any of his actions. Like everyone else mentioned here and so many of our “Trumpers” throughout the country, I’m all in for President Trump and looking forward to his reelection in 2020.
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Randy Ross is a contributing political writer for Florida National News. He is President of the Orange County Trump Republican Club and Florida Chairman for America First Federated. info@floridanationalnews.com
Florida
Darren Soto Faces Toughest Re-Election Fight as Puerto Rican Political Influence Shifts in Central Florida
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — A decade ago, Central Florida’s growing Puerto Rican population was widely viewed as a political force poised to reshape Florida politics for generations.
Today, that momentum faces growing uncertainty.
As congressional redistricting redraws political boundaries, voter turnout fluctuates, and internal political divisions deepen, Puerto Rican political representation in Central Florida is confronting one of its most significant challenges in modern Florida history.
At the center of the debate is Darren Soto, Florida’s first Puerto Rican member of Congress, who now faces a dramatically reshaped congressional district that political analysts say could strongly favor Republicans in 2026.
The battle over Soto’s political future has become symbolic of a larger question unfolding across Orange and Osceola counties: Can Puerto Rican political influence maintain its footing in a rapidly changing Central Florida electorate?
A Community That Once Redefined Florida Politics
Puerto Rican migration to Central Florida accelerated in the early 2000s and surged further following the economic downturn in Puerto Rico and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017.
The migration transformed communities throughout Orlando, Kissimmee and surrounding areas, creating one of the largest Puerto Rican populations in the continental United States.
The political impact soon followed.
Puerto Rican candidates increasingly won elections at both the state and federal levels, creating what many viewed as a rising pipeline of Hispanic leadership in Florida.
That rise included the elections of leaders such as:
US House of Representatives
- Darren Soto (D) — U.S. Congressman(2016) ; former State Senator (2012) and State Representative (2007)
Florida State Senate
- Victor Torres (D) — former State Senator (2016-2024) and State Representative (2012)
Florida House of Representatives
- Susan Plasencia (R) — State Representative (2022)
- Johanna López (D) — State Representative (2022) and former Orange County School Board Member
- Daisy Morales (D) — former State Representative (2020) and former Supervisor of Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Amy Mercado (D) — former State Representative (2016)
- René Plasencia (R) — former State Representative (2014)
- John Cortes (D) — former State Representative (2014)
- Bob Cortes (R) — former State Representative (2014)
- Ricardo Rangel (D) — former State Representative 2012
- John Quiñones (R) — former State Representative (2002) and former Osceola County Commissioner
- Anthony Suarez (D) — former State Representative (1999)
Puerto Rican representation reached a high point during the mid-2010s.
In 2016, six Puerto Rican elected officials simultaneously held seats in Congress or the Florida Legislature, including Soto, Torres, Bob Cortes, John Cortes, Amy Mercado and Rene Plasencia.
Political strategists at the time predicted that Puerto Rican voters could eventually help Democrats establish long-term dominance in Florida.
That projection, however, has not materialized.
Redistricting Changed the Political Landscape
The congressional map approved by Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature significantly altered Central Florida’s political boundaries following the 2020 Census.
The changes reshaped Soto’s congressional district by expanding it eastward and incorporating more conservative coastal and suburban voters.
Under the revised district:
- The Hispanic voting-age population declined substantially.
- Puerto Rican voter concentration dropped sharply.
- White voters became the district’s largest demographic group.
- Republican performance improved across multiple precincts added to the district.
Political analysts say the new map transformed what had been a Democratic-leaning Hispanic-majority district into a far more competitive seat.
The map also intensified concerns among civil rights advocates and Puerto Rican community leaders who argue the changes diluted Hispanic voting power.
Several legal challenges were filed against the congressional maps, though Florida courts have thus far allowed the districts to remain in place.
Election Results Raise Concerns
Recent election outcomes have further fueled debate over the future of Puerto Rican political representation.
In Senate District 25, Puerto Rican leadership ended after term limits forced the departure of Victor Torres.
His wife, Carmen Torres, sought to retain the seat in 2024 with support from Democratic leaders and Puerto Rican political organizations. She ultimately lost to a White candidate, Kristen Arrington.
In House Districts 35, 44 and 47 — districts with large Hispanic populations — White candidates also prevailed.
Meanwhile, former State Representative Daisy Morales lost her re-election bid after facing opposition supported by portions of the Democratic establishment. That opposition included, but not limited to Johanna López (Puerto Rican), who previously served as campaign manager for Samuel Vilchez Santiago during his unsuccessful 2020 challenge against Morales and later strongly supported a white candidate in Morales re-election race in 2022.
Some Puerto Rican community leaders argue these election outcomes reflect a growing disconnect between Central Florida’s expanding Hispanic population and the candidates ultimately elected to represent those communities.
Others point to changing coalition politics in Central Florida, where Venezuelan, Colombian, Brazilian and non-Hispanic voters increasingly shape election outcomes alongside Puerto Rican voters.
Internal Political Divisions Complicate the Picture
Political observers also note that internal divisions within Democratic and Puerto Rican political circles have contributed to leadership turnover.
Several recent races featured:
- Competing endorsements among Puerto Rican leaders.
- Financial support directed toward non-Puerto Rican candidates.
- Divisions between progressive and establishment Democratic factions.
- Low turnout in local and legislative elections.
The victories of candidates such as Rita Harris demonstrated how coalition-building among African American, White progressive and non-Puerto Rican Hispanic voters could overcome traditional Puerto Rican political bases.
Voter Turnout Remains a Major Challenge
Despite population growth, Puerto Rican voter turnout has remained inconsistent in nonpresidential elections.
Political strategists say turnout gaps continue to weaken electoral influence, particularly in:
- Midterm elections.
- Local legislative races.
- Municipal and county contests.
Lower participation rates among younger voters and newly relocated residents have also limited the community’s ability to fully translate population growth into political power.
Republicans, meanwhile, have made gains among Hispanic voters across Florida, particularly among working-class and socially conservative voters concerned about inflation, public safety and economic issues.
Soto Still Maintains Key Advantages
Despite the challenges, Darren Soto enters the next election cycle with several advantages.
Soto remains one of the most recognizable political figures in Central Florida and has built strong relationships throughout Osceola and Orange counties during his years in public office.
Supporters credit Soto with helping secure federal investments involving:
- Transportation infrastructure.
- SunRail expansion efforts.
- Airport development.
- Economic development initiatives.
- Hurricane recovery assistance for Puerto Rican families relocating to Florida.
Democrats also believe backlash against aggressive redistricting and growing concerns over immigration enforcement policies could energize Hispanic voter turnout.
Still, many political analysts acknowledge that the new district lines significantly complicate Soto’s path to reelection.
What Happens if Soto Loses?
If Soto is defeated, Florida could temporarily lose Puerto Rican representation in Congress entirely.
For many community leaders, the symbolic impact would be significant.
Puerto Rican advocates argue that representation matters not only legislatively, but culturally and politically, particularly for communities that spent decades building political infrastructure in Central Florida.
The concern extends beyond a single election cycle.
Currently, Johanna López and Susan Plasencia remain among the few Puerto Rican voices serving in the Florida House.
López has announced she will not seek reelection and instead is running for Orange County commissioner. She endorsed Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan American candidate, to succeed her.
If elected, Santiago would further reflect the political evolution of Central Florida’s Hispanic electorate, where multiple Latino communities increasingly share political influence once largely associated with Puerto Rican voters.
A Defining Election Cycle Ahead
As Central Florida continues to diversify politically and demographically, the 2026 election cycle is expected to test whether Puerto Rican political influence can regroup under new district boundaries and changing coalition dynamics.
For Soto and many longtime Puerto Rican leaders, the coming election may determine whether the political movement that transformed Central Florida over the last two decades can maintain its influence — or whether a new political era is already emerging.
Central Florida News
Orlando Commissioner Tony Ortiz Files for Mayor, Could Become City’s First Puerto Rican Mayor
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Tony Ortiz, a longtime Orlando city commissioner, former Marine, and former law enforcement officer, has officially filed to run for mayor of Orlando following Mayor Buddy Dyer’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Ortiz filed his candidacy ahead of the November 2027 nonpartisan mayoral election. If elected, he would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor.
GROWING FIELD OF CANDIDATES
Ortiz joins a growing field of candidates that includes State Representative Anna Eskamani, who could become Orlando’s first Iranian American mayor if elected, along with Elliot Kahanna and Abdelnasser Luth.
In his campaign announcement, Ortiz emphasized issues affecting residents across Orlando, including housing affordability, public safety, homelessness, transportation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood stability.
“As the City of Orlando continues to grow and evolve, residents across the city are increasingly focused on the issues that shape everyday life,” Ortiz stated in his campaign announcement.
LAW ENFORCEMENT BACKGROUNDS RESONATE WITH ORANGE COUNTY VOTERS
Political observers note that Orange County voters have historically supported candidates with backgrounds in local, state, and federal law enforcement or public safety roles.
Examples include Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings, former Orange County sheriff; former U.S. Congresswoman Val Demings, former Orlando police chief; former State Senator Victor Torres, a former NYC Transit Police officer; Maitland City Commissioner Keith Givens, a retired FBI agent; former State Representative Daisy Morales, a former HSI official; Apopka City Commissioner Diane Velazquez, a former NYPD officer; and former Orlando City Commissioner Samuel Ings, a former Orlando police officer.
Florida National News Photo
HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY FOR REPRESENTATION
Ortiz’s candidacy highlights the continued growth and political influence of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community. If successful, his election would mark a historic milestone for Puerto Rican representation in Orlando city government.
