Tuesday’s elections filled the U.S. House of Representatives with a record 100 women.

The University of Central Florida made a record of its own with seven alumni taking a position as Florida State Representatives, among them Amber Mariano, the youngest elected to take a seat in Florida Congress, and one as a senator.

UCF student Amber Mariano runs for State Rep

The list of alumni, curated by UCF:

  • Anna Eskamani ’12 ’15MNM ’15MPA, a Democrat and first-time candidate, was elected in District 47 in Orange County.
  • Carlos Guillermo Smith ’03, a Democrat, was re-elected in District 49 in Orange County for a second term.
  • Chris Latvala ’04, a Republican, was re-elected in District 67 (areas of Largo and Clearwater), where he has held the seat since 2014. He serves on several subcommittees, including criminal justice, education and highway and waterway safety.
  • Mike La Rosa ’12, a Republican, was re-elected in District 42 in Osceola and Polk counties. La Rosa was first elected in 2012 and later served as Majority Deputy Whip in 2014.
  • Randolph Bracy ’07MBA ’08MSBM, a Democrat, represents the District 11 in Orange County in the Florida Senate. Bracy served in the District 45 of the Florida House of Representatives from 2012 to 16 before he was elected senator in 2016.
  • Rene Plasencia ’96, a Republican, won his bid for re-election in District 50 in East Orlando and Brevard County.
  • Tom Leek ’92, a Republican, was re-elected in District 25 in Port Orange, Daytona, and New Smyrna Beach for a second term.

The Florida election for governor, senator, and agricultural commissioner face a recount as the governor’s race narrowed to less than half a percent, and the Senate and agricultural commissioner race less than one-quarter of one percent.

Knight News made a public records request from the Broward Election Supervisor  Brenda Snipes in South Florida, where voting controversy has drawn national attention.

Knight News awaits public records from Broward Election Supervisor Snipes

Photo: UCF Communications