Thank you!
On June 14th, 2024, I became the only candidate to qualify in this race, automatically winning our election to a four-year term in the Florida Senate without opposition! This monumental victory is thanks to thousands of supporters who helped us build a people-powered movement that special interests could not overcome. I love our community and will work to defend our values, restore freedom and equality for all Floridians, and build a more affordable future for our state. Thank you for your support and for entrusting me to serve.
Carlos Guillermo Smith, State Senator-elect Florida Senate District 17
Meet
Carlos Guillermo Smith
Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith is a proven fighter for Florida families and students. A respected civil rights leader, Carlos is an alumnus of the University of Central Florida who proudly identifies as a LGBTQ, Latino and forward thinking millennial who prioritizes people over politics.
Amid a critical 9,000-person teacher shortage, Florida ranks 48th in the nation for teacher pay, despite a recent increase in starting salaries. To address this crisis, substantial salary improvements are needed, especially for veteran teachers and K-12 paraprofessionals, many of whom earn less than $25,000 annually.
Increasing Veteran Teacher Pay
Carlos successfully led a campaign against the Sustanee megadevelopment, a proposal for 2,400 homes that threatened the rural character and environment of East Orange and Seminole. His efforts in community organizing and lobbying local government resulted in the developer withdrawing their application, underscoring his commitment to preserve the local community against future threats.
