Stephanie Vazquez announces run for Pasco County Commission Seat 2

The Pasco County Commission elections are still about a year and a half away, but the field of candidates for the District 2 Seat on the board is already getting an official candidate.

Democrat Stephanie Vazquez announced Friday that she is entering the race for the post currently held by Seth Weightman, a Republican who has not formally filed for candidacy to be re-elected. He replaced Mike Moore in 2022 after Moore announced his retirement.

Vazquez is the only candidate formally filing with the Pasco County Supervisor of Elections Office. The records posted online by Supervisor Brian Corley’s office do not list any financial contributions to her campaign.

Vazquez is a U.S. Air Force veteran who said in her candidacy press release that she was raised in poverty and has been involved in activism to combat human trafficking.

“Service is at the heart of who I am,” Vazquez said in her announcement. “I know what it’s like to be counted out. I grew up in poverty, served our country, and built a life fighting for those who needed someone in their corner. I’m running to give Pasco a commissioner who listens, leads, and never forgets where they came from.”

Vazquez said she seeks to control “insider-driven growth.” She also advocates for stronger schools in Pasco County to handle an increasing population, supports term limits, and wants to enhance stormwater and drainage systems to ease threats of flooding as part of her platform.

“I’m not running for headlines or handshakes with special interests. I’m running because I believe in Pasco. We deserve a future where we don’t have to accept gridlocked traffic, overflowing classrooms, and flooded homes as the cost of growth,” Vazquez said. “We deserve leadership that fights for families, not special interests.”

While Vazquez announced her candidacy, she’s still planning a free official campaign launch event on May 20, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Meals on Wheels facility, 38112 15th Ave. in Zephyrhills.

The Pasco County Commission General Elections are set for Nov. 3 next year. If more than one candidate for a party files for candidacy, the primary election would take place Aug. 18, 2026.

When not serving on the Pasco County Commission, Weightman is a municipal services manager for Republic Services Inc., helps run a family business with his wife, and serves on several professional and academic boards.