Fresh off an election that saw the Orange County Democrats grab the county clerk’s post but lose three Florida House of Representatives seats, the party’s executive committee has re-elected Carlos Guillermo Smith to a two-year term as party chairman.

Smith rose to the party leadership in a special election a year ago after Scott Randolph resigned the chairmanship.

Smith recently served as legislative aide to then-state Rep. Joe Saunders, D-Orlando, who was one of three local Democratic lawmakers who lost their seats in the November general election.

In its organizational meeting Monday evening, the executive committee members also elected Landra Robeson, former aide to Senator Geraldine Thompson, as vice chair. Other officers elected included Patricia Rumph as secretary; Deeba Ahmad as treasurer; and Michelle Stile and David Rucker as board members at-large.

State Sen. Darren Soto, D-Orlando, nominated Smith, calling him “a rising star in the Florida Democratic Party” who “has demonstrated the commitment and talent necessary to move us forward.”

Smith said he was humbled to be entrusted “to lead the Democratic Party into the critical 2016 Presidential election cycle. We will continue fighting for our party values of fully funding public education, access to affordable health care, and equal opportunity to succeed in our economy.”

Smith re-elected to lead Orange Democrats – Orlando Sentinel.

Smith re-elected to lead Orange Democrats – Orlando Sentinel
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