Johanna López gains quick fundraising advantage in Orange County Commission race

Since jumping into the race for Orange County Commission, Democratic Rep. Johanna López has quickly built up a fundraising advantage ahead of the August election, according to her campaign.

López entered the race with $35,000 in cash after announcing her candidacy shortly after the new year. Sitting lawmakers are barred from raising money while the Legislature is meeting, but her campaign says she raised $35,000 in the eight days between her campaign announcement and the start of the 2026 Session.

López raised that money through her campaign account and via two political committees, Friends of Johanna López and Pa’lante Together. More details on those funds will be available by April 10, the campaign finance reporting deadline for the first quarter of 2026.

“She becomes the highest-fundraising candidate for the Orange County Commission in 2026, by far,” her campaign said recently in a press release. “With overwhelming grassroots support and a commanding early financial advantage, the López campaign enters the race with strong momentum.”

“This outpouring of support is incredibly humbling,” López added in a statement. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who believes in our vision for Orange County. From day one, this campaign has been powered by people who want leadership that puts working families and our communities first, and I’m honored to earn their trust.”

On Jan. 6, López announced she was not running for re-election for House District 43 and instead would run in the nonpartisan contest for Orange County Commission’s District 4. The only other candidate running in District 4 is telecommunications professional Brian Jones.

District 4 covers an eastern part of Orange County, including the Union Park, Rio Pinar and Alafaya neighborhoods.

López also endorsed Orange County Democratic Chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago, who is running for her House seat.

López is one of several politicians who have won statewide office before and are now turning their sights on the county level.

Former Sen. Victor Torres is up for Orange County District 8 in August, while former Sen. Linda Stewart is running for Orange County’s District 3 in 2028.

Central Florida is undergoing a political transformation to replace several key leaders, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.