Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet crosses $100K raised in HD 42

Democrat Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet said he has raised $100,000 from 600 donors so far as he runs for Rep. Anna Eskamani’s seat in House District 42.

“I’m deeply grateful for the support of community organizations, labor unions, and elected leaders who believe in this campaign,” Sousa-Lazaballet said in a statement. “This is a true grassroots movement centered on putting people first.

Eskamani, who is term-limited, is running for Orlando Mayor in 2027.

The only competition Sousa-Lazaballet faces on the ballot so far is Republican Bonnie Jackson, a lawyer.

Through Sept. 30, Jackson loaned her campaign $15,000 and raised another $15,000, records show.

Jan. 12 is the campaign finance deadline for the final quarter of 2025.

Sousa-Lazaballet disclosed his campaign fundraising numbers Tuesday ahead of the deadline alongside a new round of endorsements.

Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos endorsed him while Reps. Angie Nixon, Leonard Spencer and RaShon Young are also backing him.

“Felipe demonstrates an unwavering commitment to public schools and ensuring access to quality education for all. He doesn’t just talk about change but makes it happen,” Vanos said in a statement.

Last month the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund also endorsed Sousa-Lazaballet, who is gay. The organization has backed 36 candidates who are member of the LGBTQ+ community and running for election across the country in the 2026 campaign cycle.

Sousa-Lazaballet is the Executive Director of the Hope CommUnity Center.

His campaign said his election would be historic as the first Dreamer and Brazilian-American sent to the Florida Legislature.

Sousa-Lazaballet was an undocumented immigrant for 15 years before he became a U.S. citizen in 2021. 

“As we head toward November 2026, we’re fighting for real, common-sense solutions to the affordability crisis and to make sure working families in District 42 can afford to live, work, and dream again. We deserve a Florida where we can thrive together,” he said in a statement Tuesday.