Maxwell Frost endorses Victor Torres in Orange County Commission race

U.S. Rep Maxwell Frost is endorsing Victor Torres for Orange County Commission.

“I’m proud to endorse him in this race. He’s a working-class people’s champion. He’s going to fight for the people that make Orange County in Orlando the beautiful place it is,” Frost said in a new video message standing arm-in-arm with Torres.

Torres, who formerly served in both the Florida House and Senate, is running for District 8 on the Orange County Commission. 

District 8 is a new district in South Orange County that was created during last year’s redistricting effort. The race has attracted a crowded field.

The other candidates for District 8 are Isaiah Louis Anderson, Tatiana Fernández, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez and Julio Rocha.

Out of the five candidates, Torres is leading in fundraising so far by raising nearly $38,000.

Quinones-Hernandez, a former coordinator at then-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s Office, has raised the second-highest total, with nearly $23,000. Rocha’s campaign has hauled in nearly $11,000. Fernández has raised about $10,000, with Anderson bringing in just under $300.

Torres said Frost’s endorsement gives his campaign another boost heading into August’s election. 

“I’m honored to have Congressman Frost’s support,” Torres said in a statement Tuesday. “Maxwell understands what it means to fight for working people and to lead with purpose. Together, we share a vision for an Orange County that invests in its residents — making it more affordable, more connected, and safer for everyone. I’m proud to have his endorsement as we continue building a campaign rooted in affordability and community.”

Torres previously announced he won the support of Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer for the race.

Torres, an Orange County Democrat, was elected to the House in 2012 before getting promoted to the Senate in 2016. He hit term limits in 2024. Torres is a retired police detective and a retired bus driver.

A County Commissioner’s current annual salary is $130,262.