Carlos Smith’s nascent state house campaign is picking up steam.
By Jacob Engels
Democrat Carlos Smith is wasting no time in gathering support for his state house bid in District 49, which is currently represented by Republican Rene Plasencia, who has decided to not seek re-election in the district and instead campaign in House District 50. Smith, who served under former State Representative Joe Saunders and now works for Equality Florida in Tallahassee, also serves as the Chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
In an email sent to supporters this morning, Smith announced endorsements from 7 community leaders, 5 of which are elected officials.
School board members Daryl Flynn, Nancy Robbinson and Kat Gordon are all endorsing Smith, who has yet to draw a credible Democratic or Republican challenger. Labor leader Lorraine Tuliano and community activist Amy Mercado also voiced their support of Smith.
“As our Democratic leaders, Carlos has a record of advocacy for worker’s rights. He’s been a champion of fair and equal pay, living wages, and affordable access to healthcare. He’s got my vote,” said Tuliano, former Central Florida AFL-CIO President.
Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill and her counterpart Patty Sheehan’s endorsements were also featured in the release.
“Carlos has always been a voice for the voiceless. We need champions like him in state government who are truly committed to fighting for Florida’s under-served populations,” explained Hill, who was just named one of Orlando’s 50 “Most Powerful People”.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post & Seminole County Post. He is a seasoned political operative who has led numerous statewide political groups and has worked on several high-profile local, statewide, and national races. Jacob has been interviewed on national television & radio programs, with his work having been featured in the Orlando Sentinel, New York Times, Washington Post, Miami Herald and other publications nationwide. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
