Jacob Ogles
State Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith is endorsing nonprofit leader Felipe Sousa-Lazaballet for an open House seat in Orlando.
Sousa-Lazaballet filed in February to succeed state Rep. Anna Eskamani in House District 42, and has quickly tried to shore up the progressive wing of the party. Smith, an Orlando Democrat, follows that trend.
“Over the past decade, I’ve seen Felipe’s deep commitment to justice, equality, and community firsthand,” Smith said.
“We worked side by side in the aftermath of the Pulse tragedy, elevating the needs of survivors and families while standing up for LGBTQ+ Floridians and gun safety reform. Felipe has also been a leading voice for comprehensive immigration reform. His lived experience as a DREAMer and subject matter expertise on immigration-related issues brings a desperately needed perspective in this political environment.”
Sousa-Lazaballet, Executive Director of the Hope CommUnity Center, has been an advocate in the Orlando area for LGBTQ and immigrant communities. He has run on improving access to education and protecting the environment. His campaign said his current nonprofit work includes overseeing a $3.8 million budget and managing 30 staff members and contractors.
“Felipe represents the future of Florida — one where every person, regardless of where they came from, has the opportunity to succeed,” Smith said. “His leadership is exactly what we need in Tallahassee. He has fought for our communities his entire life, and I know he will do the same in the Florida House.”
Sousa-Lazaballet embraced the support of Smith, who served six years in the House before his Senate election last year.
“Carlos made history as the first LGBTQ+ Latino lawmaker, and he’s paved the way for so many of us,” Sousa-Lazaballet said. “I am incredibly thankful to have him in my corner as we continue the fight for a Florida where everyone — no matter their background — can thrive.”
The endorsement from Smith follows backing from Eskamani and U.S. Rep. Maxwell Frost. Sousa-Lazaballet remains the only candidate filed for the race to date and has raised nearly $31,000 in his official campaign account.
