TALLAHASSEE – For proof of how demographic shifts and redistricting are shaking up the political calculus in Central Florida, look no further than the races shaping up in Metro Orlando around several newly drawn, Hispanic-populated legislative districts.
One, state House District 49 surrounding the University of Central Florida, has attracted a crowded field of candidates from both parties who are aiming themselves at several core constituencies, including liberal-leaning students, independents and a largely swing Puerto Rican population.
The four-way contest features two Hispanic Republicans in Marco Peña and Rene Plasencia; Democratic civil-rights lawyer Shayan Elahi; and grassroots Equality Florida organizer Joseph Saunders, who would be the Legislature’s first openly gay House member.
Click here to read the full Orlando Sentinel Article.
