Orlando Mayor Backs Sousa-Lazaballet for Florida House District 42

Orlando, Florida, USA - Orlando’s political landscape is buzzing with excitement as Mayor Buddy Dyer has thrown his support behind Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet, the Democratic candidate for Florida’s House District 42. This endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Sousa-Lazaballet, who is vying to succeed Representative Anna Eskamani, who is stepping aside due to term limits. Dyer’s backing, announced on June 25, emphasizes the necessity of leaders who can unite communities and produce tangible results for their constituents. As reported by Watermark Online, Dyer praised Sousa-Lazaballet’s compassion and determination to advocate for the people of Orlando.

Sousa-Lazaballet has already made significant strides in his campaign, having also received the first union endorsement in the race from the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) of Florida, which includes the influential Local 32BJ and Local 1199. This endorsement signals strong union support, which Dyer noted as essential for rallying Democratic backing in the district. Sousa-Lazaballet expressed gratitude for Dyer’s endorsement and the trust he has gained from SEIU leaders and members, emphasizing that he will strive to be a voice for workers across Florida.

A Candidate with a Mission

Identifying as both an immigrant and an LGBTQ+ Floridian, Sousa-Lazaballet has a clear focus on expanding opportunities and crafting inclusive policies that benefit all residents. He aims to protect Florida’s Sadowski Fund, which is crucial for funding affordable housing, and has shared his personal experiences regarding the financial struggles tied to housing issues. His narrative resonates deeply in a state grappling with these challenges, making him a highly relevant candidate in this election cycle.

As Sousa-Lazaballet prepares for the upcoming 2026 Midterm election, his campaign reflects a commitment to fostering an inclusive community and advocating for workers’ rights. In fact, he has also received support from Representative Eskamani, who has endorsed him as her preferred successor, further strengthening his position in the race. With Dyer stepping down from his mayoral role, and with Eskamani eyeing a future bid for mayor in 2027, this political carpet ride is just heating up.

Endorsements Matter

Beyond Dyer and the SEIU, Sousa-Lazaballet’s campaign is poised to attract endorsements from various groups, including the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. This organization endorses candidates at all levels of government, highlighting the importance of strong advocacy in local politics. As outlined by the caucus, candidates can apply for endorsements after the qualifying period, ensuring a robust selection process that prioritizes inclusivity and representation in governance. More information on their endorsement process can be found on their website.

As the political gears begin to turn for the 2026 election cycle, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet as he navigates this pivotal moment in his campaign. For more details about his vision and plans for Florida, interested voters can visit FelipeForFlorida.com. With endorsements from Dyer, SEIU, and potential future backing from the LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus, Sousa-Lazaballet is certainly a name to watch in the coming months.