10 Orlando-area democrats endorse Dyer for reelection

Ten democratic state legislators have endorsed Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer in his reelection campaign, according to a news release.

The legislators were Sens. Randolph Bracy, Linda Stewart and Victor Torres, along with Reps. Bruce Antone, Kamia Brown, John Cortes, Joy Goff-Marcil, Anna Eskamani, Amy Mercado and Carlos Guillermo Smith.

In the November election, Dyer faces competition from City Commissioner Sam Ings, nonprofit consultant Aretha Simons and Shantele Bennett.

The elected officials include all of Orange County’s state senators and nearly all of the county’s state representatives. Among area democrats, only state Rep. Geraldine Thompson didn’t endorse Dyer. Nor did Republican state Reps. Jennifer Sullivan and Rene Plasencia, each of whom represent portions of the county.

Antone was a legislative aide for Dyer when he was a state senator and explained the reason for his endorsement.

“The development of Downtown Orlando, Lake Nona, SunRail, the Amway Center, the Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center and Camping World Stadium are testaments to his ability to make his vision for Orlando’s future a reality,” Antone said in a statement released by Dyer’s campaign.

Mercado cited the diversity of City Hall employees as a key factor in her support.

“Mayor Dyer has made many positive decisions during his tenure, including the decision to surround himself with culturally diverse people in City Hall, so that the city’s employees are representative of Orlando’s residents,” Mercado said. “A prime example of Mayor Dyer’s commitment to diversity was his appointment of Orlando’s first Puerto Rican Chief of Police, Chief [Orlando] Rolón.”