Victor Torres lands endorsements from Jerry Demings, Buddy Dyer

In his bid for Orange County Commission, Victor Torres has picked up two key endorsements from Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.

“Vic Torres has always been a strong advocate for the people of Central Florida,” Dyer said in a statement put out by Torres’ campaign. “His background in public service and his firsthand understanding of transportation and infrastructure issues make him uniquely qualified to serve on the Orange County Commission. Vic will work every day to make our community more connected, more affordable, and stronger for families.”

Demings also said he was proud to support Torres for District 8, which is one of the new Districts created on the Orange County Commission during last year’s redistricting.

“Vic Torres has dedicated his life to serving others, whether in the Marine Corps, in law enforcement, or in the Florida Legislature,” Demings said in a statement.

Torres said he was grateful for the Mayors’ backing.

Dyer, Orlando’s longest-tenured Mayor, is not running for re-election. Demings, who is term-limited, is running for Governor as a Democrat.

Torres, who served in both the House and Senate, is one of five candidates running in the crowded field for the nonpartisan job. County Commissioners are paid $130,262 annually. 

Torres is up against Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, a former coordinator at then-U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s Office; business owner Tatiana Fernañdez; Isaiah Anderson, who works in construction and is President of the Orange Blossom Trail Development Board; and Julio Rocha, who owns an insurance and financial services business.

The race is Aug. 18. If no one wins a majority, then a runoff will take place during the November General Election. 

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