Some Polk County voters will have the chance Aug. 26 to cast their ballots in three primary races for two U.S. Congressional seats.
U.S. House District 9: Republican primary
In District 9, three Republicans and two Democrats are running for the seat currently held by Democrat Alan Grayson.
The Republicans all share conservative values and agree that the economy is need of repair, but they all come from very different backgrounds.
Carol Platt is a former realtor who now works as an association executive for Osceola County’s Association of Realtors and said her network throughout the community runs wide.
“I want to bring real progress to this district," Platt said. "And I think that comes from promoting free market enterprise and providing opportunities for the private sector to grow.”
Jorge Bonilla also believes in the free market. He served in the Marine Corps Reserve as well as the United States Navy and is currently a freelance interpreter. He had to resign from his work as a court interpreter in the 9th Judicial Circuit to run for Congress.
“Relating my professional experience to my candidacy as a court interpreter, you have to process large amounts of information very quickly and be able to relay it in a manner that is understood by all,” Bonilla said.
Peter Vivaldi is a business developer and former youth pastor. Before this run for Congress, Vivaldi made a run for Orange County School Board. While he did not win that race, Vivaldi said he will take those same education issues to Washington.
“The students of the United States are $1 trillion in debt right now," Vivaldi said. "And that’s because of student loans and the interest rates that they’re having to pay. And there is something the federal government can do and I want to be a part of that.”
The winner of the Republican primary will face off against the winner of the Democratic primary. Alan Grayson is running to retain his seat, and he is being challenged by University of Central Florida professor Nick Ruiz.
Florida's U.S. House District 9 includes parts of Orange, Osceola and Polk counties.
U.S. House District 10: Democratic primary
Three candidates are also vying to become the Democratic challenger to Daniel Webster, who currently holds the U.S. House District 10 seat.
Shayan Modarres is an Orlando-based attorney who helped represent Trayvon Martin’s family and considers himself a civil rights activist.
"I’ve lived and worked in the 10th district, I’ve worked here the past six or seven years now, I think it’s very important; issues like the affordable care act, and raising the minimum wage are important especially to the 10th district, because we have so many hospitality workers,” said Modarres.
Bill Ferree is a former city commissioner for Eustis, and is a retired commercial airline pilot. Ferree currently lives in DeLand, and spoke with us in Parramore, where he spoke about what issues he wanted to tackle if elected.
"Dependence on fossil fuels for one thing, and its impact on our environment, and issues on wage and income and wealth and equality," said Ferree.
Mike McKenna is a former Navy officer who served for 14 years. McKenna say he isn’t doing any fundraising for the race, only using $5,000 of his own money to fund his campaign.
"I’m committed to the community, I’m committed to delivering results, and the fact is the American people have already trusted me. They trusted me that I was going to keep them safe in the service," said McKenna.