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Unopposed: Does Carlos Guillermo Smith has a Straight Shot to the Florida Senate?

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – Today, incumbent state Senator Bryan Avila picked-up Democratic challenger Adrian Jesus Jimenez in Senate District 39 race. This move leaves Democratic former state Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith the only state Senate candidate running unopposed.

Its appears that Smith has a straight shot to the Florida Senate. He’s running for state Senate District 17 open seat held by Senator Linda Stewart. She can not run for reelection due to term limits. No Democrat or Republican has filed paperwork to run before the qualifying deadline, June 14.

Here’s a list below of candidates who filed to run for the Florida Senate 2024

DistrictCandidateStatusPrimaryGeneral
1Gaetz, Don (REP)Active
Newell, Lisa (DEM)Active
3Nesmith, Kimblin Eugene (DEM)Active
Parks, Daryl (DEM)Active
Simon, Corey J. (REP) *IncumbentActive
5Davis, Tracie (DEM) *IncumbentActive
Jeanty, Francky L. (DEM)Active
7Gist, Michael Levone (NPA)Active
Hill II, George Anthony “T” (DEM)Active
James, Gerald Gerry (REP)Active
Leek, Tom (REP)Active
9Dore, Sylvain (DEM)Active
McClain, Stan (REP)Active
11Holleran, Marilyn (DEM)Active
Ingoglia, Blaise (REP) *IncumbentActive
13Blancett, Cheryl “CJ” (REP)Active
Dukes, Stephanie L. (DEM)Active
Entsuah, Ebo (REP)Active
Kou, Bowen (REP)Active
Truenow, Keith (REP)Active
15Bracy, Randolph (DEM)Active
Thompson, Geraldine F. (DEM) *IncumbentActive
17Smith, Carlos Guillermo (DEM)Active
19Ahrens, Vance (DEM)Active
Fine, Randy (REP)Active
Hattaway, Robyn (REP)Active
Sheridan, Charles Chuck (REP)Active
21Carroll, Doris H. (DEM)Active
Hooper, Ed (REP) *IncumbentActive
Siamas, John (REP)Active
23Braver, Benjamin Grant (DEM)Active
Burgess, Danny (REP) *IncumbentActive
Houman, John (IND)Active
25Arguello, Jon H. (REP)Active
Arrington, Kristen Aston (DEM)Active
Martinez, Jose Augusto (REP)Active
Torres, Carmen (DEM)Active
27Albritton, Ben (REP) *IncumbentActive
Carter, Phillip Ray (DEM)Active
29Aldieri, Randy James (DEM)Active
Grall, Erin (REP) *IncumbentActive
31Bauer, Joseph Alan (REP)Active
Harrell, Gayle (REP) *IncumbentActive
Hawkins, Aaron James (DEM)Active
33Martin, Jonathan (REP) *IncumbentActive
Proia, Christopher Joseph (DEM)Active
35Jacobs Jr., Rodney W. (DEM)Active
Klitzman, Chad (DEM)Active
Parlatore, Vincent (REP)Active
Sharief, Barbara (DEM)Active
37Mohammad, Imtiaz (REP)Active
Pizzo, Jason (DEM) *IncumbentActive
39Avila, Bryan (REP) *IncumbentActive
Jimenez, Adrian Jesus (DEM)Active

 

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Central Florida News

Former State Senator Victor Torres Files for Newly Created Orange County Commission District 8 Seat

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN ) – According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections website, former Florida State Senator Victor Torres, Jr. has officially filed paperwork to run for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat (11/10/2025) — one of two new districts added as part of the county’s historic expansion of its governing board.

Veteran Lawmaker Eyes County-Level Leadership

At 78 years old, (born July 22, 1947) Torres is making a return to public service at the local level after more than a decade of elected leadership in the Florida Legislature, where he served in both the House of Representatives and the State Senate. Known for his advocacy on transportation, veterans’ affairs, and working-class families, Torres brings extensive legislative experience and name recognition to the race.

The former senator’s entry marks the first high-profile candidacy for the newly formed District 8 seat. However, Torres is expected to face additional challengers, including other prominent community leaders seeking to represent the new commission district.


Early Opponent: Tatiana Fernández

Torres will face Tatiana Fernández, who was the first to file for the race (10/29/2025). Fernández is a political newcomer and former aide to Florida State Representative Daisy Morales. She previously ran an unsuccessful campaign for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, but has remained active in community initiatives and local outreach efforts.

The matchup between Torres and Fernández sets the stage for an engaging race that contrasts legislative experience with fresh perspective in one of Orange County’s fastest-growing regions.

 

Overview: New Orange County Commission Districts 7 and 8

The Orange County Commission expanded from six to eight districts following population growth revealed in the 2020 U.S. Census and the adoption of new district boundaries. The addition of Districts 7 and 8 aims to ensure more equitable representation for residents across Central Florida’s diverse and expanding communities.

  • District 7 includes portions of northwest Orange County, designed to represent urban neighborhoods and fast-developing residential zones.

  • District 8, where Torres has filed to run, covers southern and southeastern Orange County, encompassing areas of rapid growth, economic development, and suburban expansion.

The 2026 local elections will mark the first time voters in these new districts elect their representatives to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com

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Central Florida News

Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride Partner with The Ruckus to Host Community Food Drive

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Central Florida News

Former State Rep. Daisy Morales Honors Veterans Day, Highlights Legislative Support for Florida’s Heroes

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Then State Rep. Daisy Morales presents a certificate of recognition to Lt. Col. Dennis Freytes (Ret.) for his longtime advocacy in Central Florida's Puerto Rican community. Photo: Daisy Morales (via Facebook).

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Hon. Daisy Morales honors Veterans Day with a message of gratitude and legislative impact, which the former Florida state lawmaker shared on her official Facebook page.

In observance of Veterans Day, former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales shared a heartfelt message recognizing the bravery, sacrifice, and service of America’s military veterans and their families. Morales, a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran, emphasized her deep respect for those who have worn the nation’s uniform and her continued commitment to advancing veteran-related policy.

Honoring the Heroes Who Serve

“As a proud mother of a U.S. military veteran and as a former member of the Florida House of Representatives, I hold deep respect and gratitude for the men and women who have served our nation in uniform,” Morales said. “Their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to defending our freedoms embody the very best of America.”

Legislative Leadership for Veterans and Military Families

During her first term in the Florida House of Representatives, Morales sponsored and co-sponsored several key pieces of legislation designed to support veterans and their families. Among her most notable contributions was House Bill 45: Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans, which became a national model for recognizing and assisting those who have served.

“These efforts reflect my commitment to ensuring that our veterans receive not only our gratitude but also the tangible support they deserve,” Morales added.

A Call to Action for All Floridians

As Veterans Day is commemorated across the state, Morales encourages residents to reflect on the service of veterans and to show appreciation in their communities.

“This Veterans Day, I encourage all Floridians to take a moment to honor our heroes—past and present—and to extend a hand of friendship and community to veterans and military families in your neighborhood. Let us stand united in appreciation and continue working to make Florida the most veteran-friendly state in the nation.”

The Honorable Daisy Morales, Former Florida State Representative

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