Several Central Florida Democratic lawmakers are endorsing Samuel Vilchez Santiago in his run for House District 43.

The endorsements come from U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost, state Sens. Kristen Arrington, LaVon Bracy Davis and Carlos Guillermo Smith, and state Reps. Anna Eskamani, Rita Harris, Leonard Spencer and RaShon Young.

“These endorsements reflect the broad coalition we are building behind our people-powered campaign,” Vilchez Santiago said in a statement. “I’m truly honored to have the support of our Orange County legislative delegation.”

Vilchez Santiago, who stepped down as Orange County Democratic Chair to run for the House, is vying for state Rep. Johanna López’s seat. Currently, no one else has filed for the HD 43 seat, which covers Orange County.

López recently announced that she has filed to run for the Orange County Commission and is not seeking re-election in Tallahassee. She also endorsed Vilchez Santiago. López and Vilchez Santiago held a joint press conference this week.

Frost said he met Vilchez Santiago in high school while interning at the Boys & Girls Club.

“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,” Frost said in a statement. “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.”

Arrington said in a statement that Vilchez Santiago brings a balance of working across the aisle without giving up his values.

“He is thoughtful, prepared, and deeply committed to delivering for our community,” Arrington said. “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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