Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Chamber President Jorge Figueroa Announces Bid for House District 47 Seat in Osceola County
Published
8 months agoon
By
Willie David
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Jorge Figueroa, president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and a longtime economic advocate, has officially entered the race for the Florida House, seeking to represent voters in the St. Cloud–Osceola County region.
Figueroa said his campaign will center on affordability, property insurance reform, and expanding economic opportunity for working families. His announcement comes as Democrats continue efforts to flip the district after recent unsuccessful attempts, including in House District 47.
“I’m running to make Florida more affordable for working families and small business owners,” Figueroa said. “I grew up in public housing in Puerto Rico and came to the mainland at 16 to chase opportunity. My parents sold everything they owned so I could get an education—a sacrifice that changed my life.”
As president of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce, Figueroa has worked with hundreds of entrepreneurs, helping small businesses grow and strengthening economic pathways for local families. He said too many Floridians continue to struggle with skyrocketing property insurance costs, unaffordable rent, and rising prices for essentials such as groceries and gas.
The seat—representing a key portion of Osceola County—has become increasingly competitive in recent cycles, and Democrats hope Figueroa’s business background and personal story will energize voters ahead of the 2026 election.
Democrat Anthony Nieves, a former state financial crimes investigator is running again for Florida House District 47 seat.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
ORLANDO, 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
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026
ORLANDO, 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
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
ORLANDO, 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.
