Democratic Congressman Maxwell Frost, representing Florida's 10th district, joined leaders from Boricua Vota, Casa de Venezuela and Casa Colombiana at a press conference in Orlando urging Latino voters to support candidates who defend their interests in Florida's August primaries and November elections. Frost, whose biological mother is Puerto Rican and who is the first Gen Z member of Congress, said families struggle with rent amid high inflation, parents work multiple jobs, and seniors worry about affordable housing, healthcare and medication costs. He referenced the Trump administration, urging voters to "vote wisely." Organizers noted 24 Latino candidates are running in Orange County (which includes Orlando) primaries alone.
About 500,000 Puerto Ricans live in central Florida, out of more than 1.2 million statewide. Jimmy Torres Vélez, president of Boricua Vota, cited Orange County commissioner candidates Johanna López and Víctor Torres, and urged voters to research candidates regardless of who they support, noting typically low Latino turnout in primaries. Floridians have until July 20 to register for 2026 voting.
Torres Vélez also called for holding elected officials accountable, arguing that since Latinos make up 30% of the county's voters, 30% of budgets should go to their communities.