Quinnie Perez

FLORIDA MAKES HISTORY: ORANGE COUNTY ELECTS STATE'S FIRST TRANSGENDER OFFICIAL In a state led by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, Orange County voters have elected Quinnie Perez to Seat 1 of the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District, making Perez the first openly transgender person elected to public office in Florida. Perez defeated two opponents in the November 3 election for a nonpartisan position representing parts of southwest Orange County, including Winter Garden, Windermere, and Lake Buena Vista. Perez's platform includes expanding environmental initiatives, investing in green infrastructure, addressing climate change, protecting farmworkers, and promoting sustainable development. But here's something worth discussing: The Soil and Water Conservation District has no independent operating budget, its members receive no salary, and its authority is limited. Yet this relatively obscure local position has now attracted statewide and national attention. The election also comes as Governor DeSantis and Florida Republicans have championed conservative policies regarding gender identity, education, and parental rights. Florida conservatives now face the question of whether voters focused on higher-profile races are paying enough attention to local offices like these. What are your thoughts on Orange County's election results? The election result, district responsibilities, and Perez's stated policy priorities were reported on November 4, 2026.