After a Democratic primary in August, the Nov. 3 race for this seat that covers western parts of Kissimmee and northern Poinciana is an identical three-way race as the 2024 election for this seat.
The questions below are based on voter questions and expressed priorities. Each of the candidates within a race were asked the same questions and given the same amount of time to respond. The candidates' answers were fact checked and only edited for space considerations.
Jose Alvarez (Democrat, incumbent)
Age: 62
Campaign website: electjosealvarez.com
Occupation: Real Estate and Business Consultant
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: Kissimmee City Commission, 2012-20 (Mayor 2016-20); District 46 representative, 2024-current
If re-elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
Transportation and Infrastructure. Osceola County continues to grow, and we are not keeping up with the demands. We need to work collaboratively with partners at the federal and local levels to address the concerns and priorities of the district.
Attainable housing is a serious issue throughout this region. The costs of property taxes, property insurance, and increased construction costs are passed on to the consumer. We need a comprehensive approach that increases the supply of attainable and workforce housing and encourages responsible development. By working with local governments and public, private, and nonprofit partners, we can help ensure working families can afford to live in the communities they serve.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say housing affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue?
I support streamlining the permitting process, encouraging mixed-income and workforce housing near jobs and transit, and partnering with the private sector and nonprofit organizations for options. We need to ensure growth pays for itself without placing an unfair burden on current residents. We also need to tackle the rising costs, including property insurance, property taxes, and infrastructure costs.
People who work in Osceola County should be able to afford to live in Osceola County.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: No.
This will severely impact counties, municipalities, and schools if this passes. Public safety and infrastructure projects will be very hard hit, along with the services that residents have come to expect.
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?
Data center developers should pay for the upgrades needed to electric, water, sewer, and transportation systems so existing residents are not left subsidizing new development. Regulators should require water-efficient cooling technologies along with impacts on the aquifer before approval. They should be located in commercial/industrial areas and should be encouraged to invest in energy efficiency and on-site backup generation that meets environmental standards.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue the government should address in Florida?
Protecting our natural resources, as we are located in the headwaters of the Everglades. It is essential to preserve our natural resources as we face increasing pressure on our aquifer, wetlands, wildlife habitat, and water quality. It is essential to preserve Florida's ecosystems and ensure clean water for future generations with smart growth policies that preserve environmentally sensitive lands, strengthen stormwater management, and reduce nutrient pollution in our waterways.
What is the single biggest issue the government should address when it comes to public education in Florida? Ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education, regardless of where they live. Many issues contribute to this challenge, such as teacher shortages, inadequate funding, and increasing political polarization. We must recruit and retain excellent teachers by offering competitive salaries, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, and creating an environment where educators are respected and supported.
Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not?
No. We should treat people with dignity and respect their constitutional rights. Our focus should be on removing individuals who pose a genuine threat to public safety, while creating a fair, efficient, and lawful immigration system.
Do you believe abortion restrictions in Florida should be more strict, less strict or stay the same?
Less strict.
Michael Cruz (Republican challenger)
Campaign website: facebook.com/p/Michael-Cruz-for-State-House-46-61594258103188
Occupation: Small Business Owner
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: Ran for District 46 seat in 2024.
If elected, what are the most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them?
Housing affordability. Increase the supply of affordable and workforce housing, speed up permitting for new homes, invest in roads and transit, and continue reforms to help lower property insurance costs. This would make living in the district more affordable while supporting long-term growth.
Traffic congestion and infrastructure. Invest in road improvements, expand public transportation, and require new developments to help fund the infrastructure needed to support growth.
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?
Housing should be affordable for working families. I support building more affordable homes, reducing unnecessary delays in construction, and lowering insurance costs to make homeownership and renting more affordable.
Please vote yes or no on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position: Yes.
Property taxes place a heavy burden on homeowners. I support replacing them with a fair and sustainable funding system that continues to support schools, public safety, and other essential services.
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 should protect consumers by ensuring data centers pay their fair share of costs, improving the electric grid, and keeping utility rates fair and transparent.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida?
Flooding and water quality caused by rapid development. The government should improve drainage infrastructure, protect wetlands, and require responsible stormwater management in new growth.
What is the single biggest issue the government should address when it comes to public education in Florida?
The biggest issue is improving student achievement by investing in high-quality teachers, safe schools, and the resources students need to succeed.
Do you agree with the current federal and state governments’ approaches to immigration enforcement? Why or why not?
Immigration policy should be effective and balanced, focusing on border security, due process, and a reliable legal pathway for immigrants who contribute to the economy and communities.
Do you believe abortion restrictions in Florida should be more strict, less strict or stay the same?
I personally hold pro-life views, but I believe abortion policy should be governed by existing law and handled in a way that respects different perspectives.
Ivan Rivera (No Party Affiliation)
Age: N/A
Campaign website: None found
Occupation: Physician
Residence: Kissimmee
Political background: Ran for District 46 seat in 2024. Past Osceola County Commission candidate
This candidate did not respond to our request to fill out this voter guide. To best serve you, we searched candidate websites, social media and interviews but could find nothing about Rivera’s stance on the questions asked.
