Samuel Vilchez Santiago lands endorsements from Jerry Demings, Buddy Dyer in HD 43 race

Samuel Vilchez Santiago has picked up two major endorsements from outgoing Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in his bid for House District 43.

Vilchez Santiago, the former Orange County Democratic Party Chair vying for Rep. Johanna López’s open seat, also said he has raised more than $55,000 in two weeks since filing for the office.

His only opponent so far is Republican Robert Prater, who unsuccessfully ran for Orange County School Board 2018 and the House in 2019. Prater’s background is in education. He was dean and part of the leadership team at Oak Hill Elementary School, Florida Politics reported during his 2019 run.

Vilchez Santiago, 28, said his fundraising success and a slew of new endorsements means he has built a coalition behind him.

“At a time when Floridians are looking for steady, solutions-focused leadership, Samuel Vilchez Santiago is ready to step up,” said Demings, a Democrat who is term-limited as Mayor and running for Governor.

“He is committed to lowering costs for families, strengthening our public schools, and protecting the democratic values that hold our state together. I believe Florida’s best days are still ahead of us, but only if we bring thoughtful, effective leadership to Tallahassee. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Samuel for State Representative.”

Dyer, Orlando’s longest-serving Mayor who is not seeking re-election in 2027, also signaled his support for Vilchez Santiago.

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago understands Orlando and the people who call our city home,” Dyer said in a statement. “He’s a thoughtful, hardworking leader who will be an effective partner for our community in Tallahassee. As Mayor, I know how important it is to have strong advocates fighting for the resources our city needs to keep moving forward.”

Vilchez Santiago says he has received endorsements from other high-profile Central Florida Democrats, including from State Attorney Monique Worrell, Public Defender Melissa Vickers, Property Appraiser Amy Mercado, Comptroller Phil Diamond, Tax Collector Scott Randolph and Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner, who is running for Orange County Commission.

In his bid, Vilchez Santiago is trying to deploy his skills as a local organizer and helping Orange County Dems pull off a slew of victories over the years.

López, who had been Vilchez Santiago’s high school teacher, is not seeking re-election in the House and is running for Orange County Commission instead.

HD 43 covers eastern Orange County north of Lake Nona and south of Colonial Drive.