As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]
Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Orange County Commission District 8
Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.
Since there are six candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.
The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.
County Commission District 8 encompasses part of South Central Orange County, including the areas of Lake Nona, Narcoosee and Hunter’s Creek. You can see a map of the area HERE.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.
Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.
Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 8 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.
Isaiah Louis Anderson
WEBSITE: voteisaiahlouisanderson.com/
This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.
A first-time candidate and an Air Force veteran, he lists affordable housing, community planning, assisting at-risk youth and improving infrastructure among his priorities on his campaign website. If voters want to learn about his positions or plans for addressing homelessness, traffic, Split Oak Forest or 11 other issues, they should visit his website and click a link titled “Our Path Forward.”
Addressing affordability, his website recounts conversations he’s had with residents of the district, which includes fast-growing communities Hunters Creek, Lake Nona, Moss Park, Wyndham Lakes and several others. “Families feel like Orange County is growing around them faster than they can financially keep up with,” he wrote. “The real concern is whether the people who already live here will actually benefit from that growth or eventually become displaced by it.”
In an interview, he said he wanted to cut property taxes but would vote against the constitutional amendment to slash taxes that will be on the November ballot.
Anderson did not address data centers on his website or in an interview. Asked about the biggest environmental issue, he gave his opinion on the proposed toll road through Split Oak, which is in the district he would represent if elected. “Split Oak Forest represents to me how big corporate builders can come in and tear up wildlife and not have to face any consequences for it,” he said. “I would like for Split Oak Forest to have been fought for and kept as land that was contractually to be preserved.”
Tatiana Fernández
WEBSITE: www.tatianausa.com/
Top issues in your race
If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:
YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordable Housing.
Housing affordability is one of the greatest challenges facing Orange County families. We must increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing so that teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, hospitality employees, and other essential workers can afford to live in the communities they serve.
As County Commissioner, I will support responsible development that expands affordable housing without sacrificing quality of life. I will also advocate for an Affordable Commercial Space initiative that helps small businesses and local entrepreneurs access reasonably priced commercial locations, creating jobs closer to where people live.
Orange County’s tourism industry is a major economic engine, but economic success must benefit the workforce that keeps it running. I will work with business leaders, developers, and community partners to promote higher-paying jobs and housing opportunities that are aligned with local wages. When people can both live and work in Orange County, we strengthen families, reduce traffic congestion, and build a more resilient local economy.
YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Orange County’s rapid growth requires a transportation system that is reliable, affordable, and connected to where people live and work. Too many residents spend hours in traffic because public transit does not provide practical alternatives.
As County Commissioner, I will advocate for expanding LYNX bus service, improving transit frequency and coverage, and investing in transportation options that better connect underserved communities such as Bithlo, Christmas, and parts of Lake Nona. I also support exploring innovative solutions, including autonomous transit technology, when it is proven to be safe, cost-effective, and beneficial to taxpayers.
Our goal should be to reduce congestion on I-4 and other major roadways by making public transportation a convenient choice rather than a last resort. I will also prioritize improving bus stops and transit stations with covered shelters, shade, lighting, and other weather protections to ensure a safer and more comfortable experience for riders in Florida’s climate.
YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Small Business Support. Items #1 and #2 provide the proper breeding ground to have an available workforce that can show up on time and can make a living with the tourism industry wages. We also need to invest in our workforce development in the Hospitality sector, and also in our manufacturing and construction sectors. Our reality dictates that small businesses lack affordable spaces, and we need to start developing and controlling our own site development. We need to provide New businesses the temporary tools to get them off the ground in a more substantial way than a business incubator does. We need to also invest in light industrial, commercial, and other strategically positioned spaces to help develop our newest and smallest businesses. We need to have quick permitting and think on redeloping some existing spaces that are underutilized. Why do Sunrail stations not have merchants to sell umbrellas, water, snacks, phones, or a cup of coffee? Why can’t we take over one of the recently closed schools and turn it into a meeting space for the community, rent space for commercial kitchens and food trucks in the Parking area? Those are the ideas that we need to explore to get Economic development for everyone in our County.
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I deserve to be elected because I offer a different perspective—one shaped by years of building a business, solving real-world problems, and serving my community. In the private sector, ideas are measured by results. If they don’t work, you adjust quickly because people, jobs, and livelihoods depend on it. That mindset of accountability and innovation is what I will bring to Orange County government.
I am not running to build a political career. I am running to solve problems. My priorities are to make Orange County more affordable by increasing opportunities for higher-paying jobs, improving transportation, supporting small businesses, and ensuring that growth is planned responsibly. I believe government should remove barriers, encourage innovation, and be a responsible steward of taxpayers’ dollars.
Public office is a position of service, not a lifetime entitlement. If elected, I will serve with integrity, transparency, and humility, always listening to the people I represent. My goal is to leave Orange County stronger than I found it and to help prepare the next generation of leaders to continue that work. Leadership is not about holding office forever—it is about making a lasting difference while you have the privilege to serve.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Florida’s affordability crisis is not just a cost-of-living problem; it is an income problem. We cannot build a strong middle class if wages and opportunities fail to keep pace with the cost of housing, insurance, transportation, and everyday essentials.
My approach is to help residents increase their earning power instead of relying solely on government programs. Orange County should become a leader in workforce advancement by partnering with businesses, trade organizations, and educational institutions to help people earn industry-recognized certifications, learn new skills, and move into higher-paying careers throughout their lives.
At the same time, we must make it easier for small businesses to grow because they create jobs, innovation, and economic mobility. That means reducing unnecessary barriers, expanding access to affordable commercial space, and encouraging entrepreneurship in every part of our county.
Affordability is achieved when people have the opportunity to earn more, spend less on unnecessary costs such as long commutes, and build financial security for their families. My goal is not simply to help people get by—it is to help them get ahead.
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? The current proposal to slash some property taxes and fees does not adequately address how counties and municipalities in Florida fund the essential services that residents rely on every day. While reducing property taxes may provide short-term relief for some homeowners, it does not solve the broader affordability challenges of homeownership, including rising insurance premiums, HOA costs, and maintenance expenses.
Without a comprehensive funding plan, reducing property tax revenue will likely result in cuts to public safety, transportation, parks, and other local services, or force local governments to replace the lost revenue through new fees and special assessments. In the end, many homeowners could see little real savings while paying more through other charges.
I also believe local governments should have greater flexibility in determining how locally generated revenue is spent. Communities have different priorities, and decisions about funding should reflect local needs rather than one-size-fits-all mandates from Tallahassee.
Finally, we should focus on meaningful property tax reform that protects homeowners. I support legislation that prevents homesteaded properties from being lost at auction over HOA debts, reforms tax deed sales to better protect homeowners’ equity, and considers a gradual phase-in of homestead tax benefits for new residents to ensure long-term fairness and fiscal stability.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility system should put residents and small businesses first. As electricity demand continues to grow, large energy users—including data centers—should bear the full cost of the infrastructure required to serve them. Existing customers should not be expected to subsidize grid expansions or utility upgrades that primarily benefit private developments.
Utility regulators should require greater transparency in rate-setting, ensure that any proposed rate increases are justified, and encourage investments that improve grid reliability and long-term affordability. Florida should also continue investing in energy efficiency, grid modernization, and a diverse energy portfolio to meet future demand responsibly.
At the same time, regulators must consider the full impact of data centers on surrounding communities. These facilities can generate significant noise from cooling equipment and backup generators, place heavy demands on potable water supplies for cooling systems, and require costly utility infrastructure upgrades. Any proposal should demonstrate that it will not compromise drinking water resources, degrade the quality of life for nearby residents, or shift infrastructure costs onto existing ratepayers.
I also believe data centers should be limited to appropriately zoned industrial areas. Florida should not convert agricultural land or environmentally sensitive areas into data center developments. Protecting our agricultural lands is essential for food security, water recharge, and preserving Florida’s natural resources. Growth should occur where the necessary infrastructure already exists, not at the expense of our farms or rural communities.
Florida can welcome technological innovation and economic development, but growth must be responsible. Data centers should meet strict standards for infrastructure funding, noise mitigation, water conservation, environmental stewardship, and appropriate land use so that economic progress does not come at the expense of Florida families, taxpayers, or future generations.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s greatest environmental challenge is managing growth while protecting the natural resources that make our state livable. Clean drinking water, wetlands, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats are under increasing pressure from rapid development, aging infrastructure, and population growth.
We must protect our aquifers and surface waters by investing in modern water and wastewater infrastructure, strengthening stormwater management, and preserving wetlands that naturally filter water and reduce flooding. The wetland mitigation banking program needs to be revisited, and limits need to be imposed as to the maximum wetland area that can be converted before it creates flooding problems for the community. Responsible land-use planning is equally important. Growth should be directed toward areas with existing infrastructure instead of encouraging sprawl that consumes agricultural land and environmentally sensitive areas.
As Orange County continues to grow, we must also ensure that new developments—including large industrial projects such as data centers—are evaluated for their long-term impacts on water consumption, energy demand, noise, traffic, and surrounding communities. Economic development should never come at the expense of our natural resources or residents’ quality of life.
Protecting Florida’s environment and supporting economic growth are not competing goals. With smart planning, responsible development, and strong environmental stewardship, we can preserve our natural resources while creating a prosperous future for the next generation.
George Haas
WEBSITE: www.voteforhaas.com/
This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.
Traffic congestion is his top priority. On his website, he says Lake Nona’s rapid growth has turned Narcoosee Road and Boggy Creek Road into broken, high-friction bottlenecks that trap commuters daily. He wants to end the gridlock. His website says he “will push for structural accountability on county road work to demand projects are built efficiently, on schedule, and designed to absorb future traffic capacities before the first shovel hits the dirt.”
An engineer, he also said that his work experience and business background are needed on the commission as he thinks the board lacks professional business experience. He said he would work to eradicate administrative waste, alleging that “millions of taxpayer dollars are routinely lost within the bloated workflows and non-performing operational budgets of county bureaucracy.”
Asked why voters should choose him, he said, “I’m the right man for the job in terms of education and experience.”
He is not in favor of the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes. But if voters approve Amendment 3, he would look for efficiencies in government services to mitigate the loss in revenues and possibly outsource some services.
He did not directly address data centers on his website but in an interview said, “We cannot stop progress but we can definitely make sure it doesn’t hurt us.” As an engineer, he would address the issue analytically.
He said the biggest environmental issue is growth. “We do have beautiful, clean water underneath us, and we want to make sure it stays that way.”
Jeanette Quinones Hernandez
WEBSITE: www.jeannette2026.com/
Top issues in your race
If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:
YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Traffic congestion and the strain on our roads and infrastructure.
Our rapid growth in District 8 (especially Lake Nona, Hunter’s Creek, Meadow Woods, Beacon Park and Williamsburg) has outpaced our roads. Families are stuck in traffic instead of spending time together. As Commissioner, I will prioritize completing key road projects like Narcoossee Road widening, Lake Nona Blvd improvements, and better connectivity to I-417 and the Turnpike. I will push for public-private partnerships, cut unnecessary red tape, and ensure impact fees are used efficiently for actual infrastructure, not diverted elsewhere. Safety and predictability for working families must come first.
YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Flooding and wetlands protection.
Too many neighborhoods in south Orange County flood repeatedly because of unchecked development and loss of natural buffers like the Crosby Island marsh. I will fight to preserve critical wetlands, enforce responsible growth policies, and demand better stormwater management from developers. Practical conservation that protects both our environment and property values — not extreme environmental agendas that hurt working families.
YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Attainable housing and rising cost of living.
Hard-working families, young professionals, and our seniors should be able to live in the communities they love. I will work to lower impact fees, reduce unnecessary regulations that drive up housing costs, and promote smart, responsible development that includes more workforce housing options while protecting neighborhood character. Lower taxes and fees mean more money stays in families’ pockets.
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not a career politician — I am a mother, former small business owner, and public servant who has spent years helping thousands of Central Florida families as an Outreach Specialist in Senator Marco Rubio’s office. I have walked the neighborhoods of District 8 door-to-door, listened to residents’ concerns about traffic, flooding, and affordability, and I show up. My values are simple: faith, family, fiscal responsibility, and putting Orange County families first. I bring real-world experience balancing budgets, meeting payroll, and solving problems — exactly what District 8 needs on the County Commission.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with controlling government spending and lowering the cost of living. I support cutting wasteful spending, reducing impact fees that are passed on to homebuyers, reforming regulations that drive up housing costs, and making permitting faster and more predictable for responsible developers. We must also grow our economy through vocational training, pro-business policies, and job opportunities so families earn more and keep more of what they earn. Limited government and free enterprise have always been the best path to prosperity.
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? YES. Property taxes are too high and burden homeowners, seniors on fixed incomes, and working families. I support meaningful tax relief. Lost revenue should be replaced primarily through service efficiencies, cutting waste, and prioritizing core government functions. We can also explore targeted fee adjustments on new development rather than existing residents. As a fiscal conservative, I will insist on transparency and accountability so taxpayers get better services without higher taxes.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Utility regulators must ensure reliable, affordable power while protecting ratepayers. Data centers bring economic benefits, but they should not come at the expense of higher bills for families and small businesses. I support requiring data centers to contribute fairly to infrastructure upgrades, promoting energy diversity (including natural gas and nuclear where appropriate), and strong oversight to prevent cost shifting onto residential customers. We need balance — economic growth without sacrificing affordability
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Responsible protection of our wetlands and natural flood buffers while allowing smart growth. In Orange County, flooding is both an environmental and quality-of-life crisis. We must preserve critical areas like the Crosby Island marsh and improve stormwater management without extreme policies that stop responsible development and hurt working families. Conservation and common-sense growth can and must coexist.
Julio Rocha
WEBSITE: votejuliorocha.com/
This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites to answer questions about their candidacy.
He co-owns an insurance and financial services agency with his spouse. His website says he is running “with a focus on housing affordability, transportation solutions and expanding economic opportunity,” but it does not list any specific plans.
Rocha has served in leadership roles with the Orlando chapter of Prospanica, a not-for-profit association of Hispanic professionals. He also served on the national organization’s board of directors.
His website did not address how he’d vote on the property tax amendment in November, how he would respond to data centers and their need for electricity nor what he viewed as the biggest environmental issue that needs addressing.
Victor M. Torres Jr.
WEBSITE: www.electvictorres.com/
YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:
Making Orange County More Affordable. I’ve spent my life working alongside the people who keep this community running, as a Marine, detective, bus driver, union member, and State Senator. I know what it’s like to work hard and still worry about paying the bills. On the County Commission, I’ll focus on increasing the supply of workforce and affordable housing, making sure growth pays for itself, and protecting existing neighborhoods from displacement. Hard work should be enough to build a good life in Orange County.
YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:
Traffic and Transportation. I drove LYNX buses for years, so I lived the same traffic frustrations families face every day. We cannot build our way out of congestion with roads alone. We need transportation infrastructure that keeps pace with growth, safer intersections, expanded LYNX service, continued investment in SunRail, and smarter land-use decisions that reduce long commutes and connect people to jobs, schools, and healthcare.
YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it:
Infrastructure, Flooding, and Responsible Growth. Too many neighborhoods flood after heavy rains because infrastructure hasn’t kept up with development. I’ll prioritize stormwater improvements, require new growth to pay its fair share for infrastructure, and support smart growth that protects our water resources and natural areas. We can grow responsibly without sacrificing our quality of life.
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I’ve spent more than 40 years serving others, as a Marine, New York City detective, school bus driver, LYNX bus operator, union member, and State Senator. Every step of my career has been about serving working people, not politics. I’m running because the biggest challenges facing Orange County - housing affordability, traffic, flooding, and infrastructure - require experienced leadership that understands what families are going through and is willing to put people before politics.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability starts with housing, but it doesn’t end there. We need more workforce housing, better transportation options that reduce commuting costs, and responsible growth that lowers the cost of providing public services. I also believe county government should be a good steward of taxpayer dollars while investing in the infrastructure families rely on every day. When working families can afford to live near where they work, everyone benefits.
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Property taxes are a real concern for homeowners, especially with rising insurance costs and the overall cost of living. But I cannot support a constitutional amendment that dramatically reduces local property tax revenue without a responsible plan to replace it. Counties rely on those dollars to fund public safety, transportation, parks, libraries, and critical infrastructure. I do not support replacing that revenue by raising fees on working families or cutting essential services. Instead, we should focus on responsible budgeting, identifying efficiencies, and working with the state to develop sustainable solutions that provide tax relief without undermining the services our communities depend on.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Families and small businesses should not be forced to subsidize massive energy users. Utility regulators should require data centers and other large industrial customers to pay their fair share of the infrastructure and energy costs they create while protecting residential ratepayers from unnecessary increases. As County Commissioner, I will oppose new data centers that strain our electric grid, increase utility costs, and consume significant water resources. Orange County should prioritize growth that creates lasting jobs while protecting our environment and keeping costs down for residents.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? For Orange County, protecting our water resources while managing growth responsibly is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. Our lakes, wetlands, and aquifer are essential to our quality of life, and they must be protected as our community continues to grow. That means investing in stormwater infrastructure, reducing flooding, encouraging development where infrastructure already exists, and preserving environmentally sensitive lands for future generations.