Samuel Vilchez Santiago says he has won the support of a majority of the Florida Democratic lawmakers in his bid for House District 43.

Vilchez Santiago is a Democrat vying for the seat currently occupied by Rep. Johanna López, who is not seeking re-election and is running for Orange County Board of Commissioners. 

He is currently set to face Republican Robert Prater, who unsuccessfully ran for Orange County School Board 2018 and the House in 2019.

Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman and House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell are backing Vilchez Santiago, according to his latest campaign press release.

“We need leaders who will stand firm in protecting our rights and advancing policies that support families,” Berman said in a statement. “Samuel Vilchez Santiago is ready to fight for access to healthcare, strong public schools, and the fundamental freedoms that matter most to our communities.”

According to Vilchez Santiago’s campaign, other state lawmakers endorsing him include Sens. Tina Scott Polsky and Shevrin Jones and Reps. José Alvarez, Robin Bartleman, Kevin Chambliss, Lindsay Cross, Dan Daley, Gallop Franklin, Ashley Gantt, Dianne Hart-Lowman, Rob Long, Angie Nixon, Michele Rayner, Mitch Rosenwald, Kelly Skidmore and Allison Tant.

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled to have the support and trust of so many leaders across Florida,” Vilchez Santiago said in a statement. “This level of support shows just how serious and strong our campaign is, and the broad coalition we’re building to win.”

Several Central Florida Democratic lawmakers, including López, Sens. Carlos Guillermo Smith and LaVon Bracy Davis, and Rep. Anna Eskamani have already endorsed Vilchez Santiago. Outgoing Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings are also supporting him.

At 29 years old, Vilchez Santiago has emerged as a rising star in Orange County politics. He was the Orange County Democratic Party Chair for three years as the party pulled off big wins.

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