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Representative Johanna López

“As a former teacher at Colonial High School and now as State Representative for House District 43, I had the privilege of teaching Samuel Vilchez Santiago in my classroom. Even then, Samuel stood out for his deep sense of responsibility to others, his academic drive, and his natural ability to lift up those around him. After graduating from Colonial High School, Samuel never forgot where he came from. He went on to excel at Princeton University and later at Oxford University, but he remained firmly rooted in our community. For more than a decade, Samuel has given back through consistent, hands-on community service—organizing, advocating, and fighting for working families and those too often left out. Samuel shows up. I am proud to endorse Samuel Vilchez Santiago and confident he will continue to lead with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to our community.”

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Mayor Jerry Demings

“At a time when Floridians are looking for steady, solutions-focused leadership, Samuel Vilchez Santiago is ready to step up. 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.”

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Congressman Maxwell Frost

“I am proud to endorse Samuel Vilchez Santiago because his advocacy has always been personal. We met in high school while interning at the Boys & Girls Club, and since then we’ve organized side by side, from leading the March for Our Lives in Orlando to fighting for immigrant rights and standing together on picket lines. Samuel is part of a new generation of leaders who understands that real change comes from showing up, organizing, and never backing down. I trust him to stand up for our entire community, and push back against extremists in Tallahassee”

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State Attorney Monique Worrell

“Justice requires leaders who are willing to show up when it matters most. Samuel Vilchez Santiago has consistently stood alongside me and our community in the fight for fairness, accountability, and equal justice under the law. He represents a new generation of leadership that understands what’s at stake for our democracy and isn’t afraid to defend it. That’s why I’m proud to support Samuel for Florida House District 43.”

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Senator Carlos Guillermo Smith

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago has spent his life fighting for working families and immigrant communities. His lived experiences, as someone who escaped political persecution at a young age, makes him a powerful advocate for those too often ignored in Tallahassee. As a resident of House District 43, I’m not only proud to endorse Samuel, I’m excited to vote for him as my next legislator and to see a new generation of leaders stepping up create real results for our community.”

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Senator Kristen Arrington

“I’ve seen how important it is to have leaders who can be effective in Tallahassee—working across the aisle when necessary while never compromising on our values. Samuel Vilchez Santiago brings that balance. He is thoughtful, prepared, and deeply committed to delivering for our community. I trust Samuel to stand strong for our values while also getting things done, and I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”

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Senator LaVon Bracy Davis

“I’ve seen firsthand the work Samuel Vilchez Santiago has done to strengthen our Democratic Party and deliver results for our community. As Chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, Samuel has shown what disciplined, values-driven leadership looks like—building multiracial and multigenerational coalitions, expanding engagement, and making sure our party shows up year-round for the people we serve. I trust Samuel to bring that same commitment and effectiveness to Tallahassee, and I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”

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Representative Dr. Anna Eskamani

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago is a proven leader who has been in the trenches fighting for our community—standing up for workers, immigrants, and a more affordable Central Florida. As I prepare to leave Tallahassee, I’m proud to support a new generation of leaders who will continue that fight with courage and conviction. That’s why I am proud to endorse Samuel for Florida House District 43.”

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Representative Rita Harris

“As someone who understands the fight in Tallahassee, I know how important it is to have leaders who are prepared to advocate for our community. Samuel Vilchez Santiago does the work, often when no one is watching, and consistently delivers for the people we serve. I trust Samuel, and I am proud to support him for Florida House.”

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Representative Leonard Spencer

“Effective leadership is about finding common ground and building bridges to create opportunities for our communities to thrive. Samuel Vilchez Santiago understands how to bring people together, govern effectively, and deliver results. I’m proud to endorse Samuel because I know he will be a strong, effective voice for our Central Florida in Tallahassee.”

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Public Defender Melissa Vickers

“As Public Defender, I see firsthand the cruelty immigrant families face when our systems fail them. In those moments, Samuel Vilchez Santiago has never looked away—he shows up, stands with families, and fights for what’s right. I trust Samuel to be a strong, principled advocate for justice, and I’m proud to endorse him.”

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Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado

“Having served in Tallahassee, I know what effective leadership looks like. I’m proud to endorse Samuel Vilchez Santiago because he is a proven leader who is ready to continue delivering results for our community. I see in Samuel the values, pride, and commitment our community deserves.”

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Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph

“I’ve served as a legislator, as Chair of our Democratic Party and as the Tax Collector, and I know how rare it is to find leaders who can both move a vision forward and deliver real results. Samuel Vilchez Santiago is that leader. He represents a new generation that understands how to build power, govern effectively, and stand unapologetically for democratic values. I’m proud to endorse Samuel for Florida House District 43 because I know he’s ready to lead on day one.”

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Orange County Commissioner Kelly Semrad

“The 2026 election is a fight for our democracy that we can’t afford to lose. That’s why I am proud to stand with Samuel Vilchez Santiago and give him my full, unwavering endorsement for the Florida House. Samuel doesn’t just talk about fighting for working families, he does it. He defends immigrants, holds the powerful accountable, and stands up for home rule, ensuring local governments have the authority to serve their residents without interference from state politicians. Without a doubt, Samuel Vilchez Santiago is the leader and fighter we need in Tallahassee.”

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Orange County Commissioner Nicole Wilson

“I’ve worked alongside Samuel Vilchez Santiago for years and have seen firsthand his commitment to fighting for our community. As a member of the Charter Review Commission, where he served as the youngest member ever, Samuel played a key role in protecting Split Oak Forest and standing up for our shared values. His thoughtfulness, preparation, and willingness to take on tough fights set him apart. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Samuel for Florida House District 43.”

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Orlando City Commissioner Tom Keen

“I’ve seen firsthand Samuel Vilchez Santiago’s work ethic and commitment to our community. We need leaders in Tallahassee who can bring resources back to Central Florida to fix traffic, manage growth responsibly, and protect our quality of life. That’s why I’m proud to endorse Samuel.”

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Orlando City Commissioner Shan Rose

“Moving Orlando forward requires leaders who are focused on opportunity, equity, and results. Samuel Vilchez Santiago brings that vision and dedication to public service, and I’m proud to support him for Florida House District 43.”

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Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner

“As Mayor, I know how critical it is for our local communities to have partners in Tallahassee who respect home rule. Samuel Vilchez Santiago has shown he will stand up for local governments and fight for policies that keep our communities strong and livable. That’s why I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House”

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Orange County School Board Member Maria Salamanca

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago is exactly the kind of leader I want fighting for us in Tallahassee—bold, grassroots-driven, and deeply grounded in community. We began working together at a young age through the OCPS Super Scholars alumni network, united by our shared belief in the power of public education. As former ESOL and immigrant students, we know firsthand what opportunity looks like and how important it is to expand it for others. Samuel has spent years working alongside our communities and uplifting voices that are too often left out of the political process, and I’m proud to support and vote for him for Florida House District 43.”

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Orange County School Board Member Stephanie Vanos

“In these challenging times, we need leaders who will stand up and fight for our public schools. Having attended Orange County Public Schools, Samuel Vilchez Santiago understands firsthand how important strong public education is to our community. I know Samuel will be a tireless advocate for our students, educators, and families, and will work to ensure they have the support they need. That’s why I am proud to endorse him.”

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Orange County School Board Member Angie Gallo

“As a former PTA advocate in Tallahassee, I know how critical it is to have leaders who will stand up for our public schools and support our teachers—especially at a time when schools are closing and students are being left behind. Samuel Vilchez Santiago understands what’s at stake and has shown a deep commitment to public education. I trust him to fight for our schools, our educators, and our families, and I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”

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Orange County School Board Member Anne Douglas

“Our students deserve leaders who will fight for them. As an educator, I see in Samuel Vilchez Santiago someone who understands the real challenges facing our schools and will advocate for the resources students and teachers need. I’m proud to support him in his run for the Florida House.”

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Orange County School Board Member Vicki-Elaine Felder

“As an educator, I know that equitable education requires leaders who are both proven and effective. Samuel Vilchez Santiago has stepped up time and again to deliver for our community and ensure every student has a fair chance to succeed. I’m encouraged by a new generation of leaders like Samuel who are ready to lead with purpose and results, and I’m proud to endorse him”

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Former Sen. Victor Torres

“I came to the Legislature after years as a laborer, and I know what it means to fight for working people. Samuel Vilchez Santiago understands those struggles and has consistently shown up for workers and unions in our community. I trust Samuel to deliver real results for working families in Tallahassee, and I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”

School Board Member Melissa Byrd

"Samuel Vilchez Santiago is a proud product of Orange County Public Schools and truly understands the impact strong public education can have on a young person’s life. He has consistently shown up for our community, and I trust him to be a strong advocate for students, educators, and families. I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”

Comptroller Phil Diamond

“Integrity and accountability matter in public service. Samuel Vilchez Santiago leads with honesty, transparency, and a deep respect for our community. I trust his judgment and his commitment to responsible governance and building a brighter future for all Floridians. I’m proud to endorse him for Florida House District 43.”