Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Bar President Joel Montilla to Run for Orange County Commissioner
Published
3 years agoon
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Puerto Rican Bar Association of Florida President Joel Montilla has filed to run in the 2024 nonpartisan race for Orange County Commissioner District 5 open seat. Montilla is a registered Republican of Puerto Rican descent.
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Incumbent Orange County District 5 Commissioner Emily Bonilla can not seek re-election in 2024 due to term limits. Bonilla is a registered Democrat also of Puerto Rican descent.
In a press statement, Montilla said he’s running to bring balance to an already complex process which involves sensitive dialogue and a difficult decision-making process.
“In particular, I am focused on restoring honesty and transparency to county government, keeping our neighborhoods safe, controlling growth, keeping property taxes low, all while making sure housing is attainable for middle class citizens, protecting our precious environment, expanding and improving our parks and trails, and relieving congestion on our roads.” – Joel Montilla in a campaign press statement
Montilla faces a primary against Democrat and environmentalist Kelly Jean Semrad, who is Mexican American. Semrad ran for Orange County Mayor in 2022. She lost in the primary to incumbent Mayor Jerry Demings on August 23, 2022.
The Primary Election is set for August 20, 2024.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026ORLANDO, 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.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026ORLANDO, 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.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
2 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie DavidORLANDO, 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.