ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz, the only Puerto Rican member of the commission, has officially switched his party affiliation from Republican to Democrat, slamming the GOP’s positions on immigration, public education, and LGBTQ+ rights.

“The Republican Party is not the Republican Party I signed up with,” Ortiz said, adding he once proudly considered himself a ‘Ronald Reagan Republican.’”

Ortiz Explains Switch in Op-Ed

In a detailed Op-Ed published in a local news outlet, Ortiz outlined his reasons for leaving the GOP, condemning the party’s “attacks on Medicaid expansion, the erosion of social safety nets, and fear-based politics targeting immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.” He also criticized Republican-led efforts to ban books, dismantle DEI programs, and sanitize American history in classrooms.

Advocating for Immigrant and Latino Rights

Ortiz, a longtime advocate for immigrant and Latino rights, notably led the passage of the Trust Act in 2018. The policy prohibits Orlando police officers and city employees from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless they’re accused of a crime. The measure faced renewed criticism last month from Republican Attorney General James Uthmeier, who labeled it a “sanctuary policy,” though it remains in effect.

“The marginalization of Latinos and immigrants — many of whom have helped build this country and proudly served in its defense — is not leadership. It’s fear-based politics,” Ortiz wrote.

Historic Opportunity: Could Orlando Elect Its First Puerto Rican Mayor?

Ortiz, the first Puerto Rican ever elected to the Orlando City Council, has represented District 2 since 2008. He addressed speculation about a possible run for Orlando Mayor in 2027, when Mayor Buddy Dyer is expected to step down, but emphasized that his party switch “has nothing to do with political strategy.”

“This has to do with my conviction,” Ortiz said to a local news outlet.

If he decides to run and wins, Ortiz would become Orlando’s first Puerto Rican mayor. Central Florida — particularly Orlando — is home to the largest concentration of Puerto Ricans in the state, with 1.2 million Puerto Ricans now living in Florida, making them the largest Latino community in the region.

At this time, Florida State Representative Anna Eskamani (D-Orlando) is the only candidate who has officially filed paperwork for the 2027 mayoral race.

Notably, Ortiz has been re-elected multiple times without opposition, never facing a challenger from the Orange County Democratic Party in those elections.

A Sign of Shifting Political Tides in Florida

Florida’s political landscape is experiencing notable shifts, with several Democratic lawmakers changing their party affiliations. This trend contrasts with Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz’s recent switch from the Republican to the Democratic Party.

Democratic Lawmakers Switching to Republican Party:

• State Rep. Susan Valdés (Tampa): On December 9, 2024, Valdés announced her switch to the Republican Party. She expressed a desire to be “welcomed and treated with respect” by her new party.

• State Rep. Hillary Cassel (Dania Beach): Cassel declared her party switch on December 27, 2024, citing alignment with Republican values and questioning the Democratic Party’s support for Israel.

Senate Minority Leader’s Departure:

• State Senator Jason Pizzo: In April 2025, Pizzo left the Democratic Party to register with no party affiliation. He criticized the party’s leadership and direction, stating Democratic Party is dead.

Former Congressman Joins Democrats:

• David Jolly: The former Republican U.S. Congressman announced his registration as a Democrat in April 2025, reportedly considering a 2026 gubernatorial bid.

These developments highlight the dynamic nature of Florida’s political affiliations and the evolving priorities of its elected leaders.

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J Willie David, III
News@FloridaNationalNews.com