Scott Powers
Progressive organizer Kristellys Estanga is becoming the new legislative aide to Democratic state Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith of Orlando, as Ida Eskaman leaves to go into lobbying for progressive groups.
Estanga, who worked on Andrew Gillum‘s Democratic gubernatorial primary campaign and Florida’s voting rights restoration amendment campaign, most recently served as senior advisor to Smith’s successful re-election bid in Florida House District 49, representing northeast Orange County.
Smith announced the change Tuesday.
Estanga has more than a decade of experience in advocacy, community organizing, and governmental experience, working to mobilize communities on issues of homelessness, criminal justice reform, foreign affairs, and education. She has served on the executive board of Florida Young Democrats and as President of the Jacksonville Young Democrats.
Born in Venezuela, Estanga grew up in South Florida, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Florida International University and a master’s degree from Eastern University.
Eskamani, twin sister to Democratic state Rep. Anna Eskamani of House District 47, will be working statewide with a variety of progressive groups on issues ranging from voter rights registration and criminal justice reform to affordable housing and health care, she said Tuesday. She will be registering as a lobbyist.
