St. Cloud ‘Politics in the Barn’ July 24
Hundreds attended Wednesday’s political Hob Nob, hosted by the Osceola Chamber.
The event, held every other year ahead of the primaries in the main election cycle, moved from Osceola Heritage Park to the Kissimmee Civic Center this year.
“We were happy to bring this event back to downtown Kissimmee,” Osceola Chamber President John Newstreet said. “As the saying goes, ‘Elections have consequences,’ and businesses of all sizes are feeling great pressure today and for the foreseeable future. Attendees were able to engage candidates, vote in our straw poll, and build their network. The event showcased candidates across the spectrum on the Osceola ballot and highlighted how ‘Business Works Better Together.’”
It was the first chance for local voters to get out and meet, en masse, the candidates they’ll see on their ballots in the upcoming Aug. 20 primary election and Nov. 5 general election. As well, it’s a reliable way for candidates to get in front of the voting public in Osceola County during the election cycle. The next opportunity for in-person networking will be at the St. Cloud Chamber’s “Politics in the Barn” at Osceola Heritage Park on July 24.
Candidates running in races voted on in Osceola County at the local, state, and national level were invited to pre-record a brief statement for the event to acquaint the attendees with their platforms and positions. (Those videos can be access online at theosceolachamber.com.)
The other draw of the Hob Nob is the straw poll that attendees get the opportunity to vote in. The poll included all candidates in the races, regardless of party or if they will be in an August primary solely among their party. Among the straw poll results:
President —Joe Biden narrowly (42.75-41.64%) over Donald Trump.
U.S. Senate — Rick Scott, with 48.78% over nine other challengers.
U.S. House of Representatives — Darren Soto, with 68% over four challengers.
State Senate — Kristen Arrington (53%) over Jose Martinez (20%) and three challengers.
State Attorney — Andrew Bain (48%) over his predecessor, Monique Worrell (33%).
Florida House of Representatives, District 35 — Erika Booth (49%) over incumbent Tom Keen (38%).
District 45 — Leonard Spencer (52.8%) over incumbent Carolina Amesty (47.2%).
District 46 — Jose Alvarez (48.7%) over Michael Cruz (19%) and five others.
District 47 — Paula Stark (47%) over three Democratic opponents.
County Commission — Three incumbents, Peggy Choudhry (District 1, 70%), Brandon Arrington (District 3, 54.8%) and Ricky Booth (71.9%), logged wins.
School Board —Bethzaida Garcia (66.8%) out-tallied incumbent Julius Melendez (18.5%), and Anthony Cook (59%) and Paula Bronson (48.1%) had the most in races with no incumbent.
Sheriff — Wiley Black (34.4%) over incumbent Marcos Lopez (24.6%) and four other challengers. Other incumbent officers, Clerk of Court Kelvin Soto (57%), Tax Collector Bruce Vickers (85%) Supervisor of Elections Mary Jane Arrington (75%) and Property Appraiser Katrina Scarborough (86%) came out on top.
Kissimmee City Commission; Mayor — Jackie Espinosa (40.5%) over Commissioner Olga Castano and two other challengers.
Seat 1 — Lisandra Roman (34.42%) narrowly over Jaime Reyes (33%) and Noel Ortiz (32.5%) in the race to replace Castano.
Seat 3 — Rubin Anderson (37.5%) over Carlos Alvarez III (30.77%) and two challengers.
St. Cloud Council, Mayor — Chris Robertson (41.2%) narrowly over Tony Busby (38.6%).
Seat 2 — Jennifer Paul (45.7%) over Phil Lantry (35.3%).
