Scott Powers
Orlando state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith is endorsing Democrat Lee Mangold in the contest for House District 28.
Mangold’s campaign announced the endorsement Monday morning.
At a recent Mangold fundraiser, Smith said: “The reason I decided I wanted to jump on to Lee’s team and very proudly say that I was supporting his race and his campaign is not only because he’s such a passionate advocate for the issues we care about, it wasn’t only because like me — and like many of you — he has a major problem with the Florida Legislature spending $67M on the Marjorie Stoneman Douglas School Safety Act to train and arm teachers and faculty in our public schools.
“I’m also supporting Lee because he has a very strong campaign, he has a community of support, I’m impressed even by the fact we have such a great community turnout here in the district he’s running in, but also I’m supporting Lee Mangold because I know that he can win!”
Mangold, who owns a cybersecurity company and teaches at the University of Central Florida, faces Winter Springs business consultant and retired Marine colonel Republican David Smith in the HD 28 race. Smith, of Casselberry, and Mangold each seek to succeed Republican state Rep. Jason Brodeur in the district covering northeast Seminole County.
“Rep. [Carlos] Smith is someone I truly look up to in the legislature, ” Mangold stated in a news release. “He is a tireless fighter for true progressive values, such as supporting public education, supporting affordable and available health care for all, and a continual fight for equality.
“I’m truly honored to receive Carlos’ endorsement, and I look forward to serving alongside him in Tallahassee.”
