Florida Official Switches Parties

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2. 'Orlando is one of few places in Florida trending blue.'

(From floridapolitics.com) "Orlando City Commissioner Tony Ortiz has switched his party registration from Republican to Democrat as he ponders a run for Orlando Mayor."

“'Though my current role is nonpartisan, I’ve long been affiliated with the Republican Party,' Ortiz said in a statement to local media. 'I once believed it stood for duty, accountability, individual freedom, and family values. But over time, that party has changed. And I can no longer stand by in silence as it turns its back on the very people I’ve sworn to protect.'"

"Ortiz has served on the Orlando City Council since 2008. During his time in office, the Orlando area has been among a small number of places in Florida to become more Democratic as the state trended Republican."

Ortiz is the first Puerto Rican to hold elected office in Orlando (District ); the Puerto Rican population has increased in recent years, and the city is trending blue. His potential run for Orlando Mayor probably figured into his decision.