Ranking recognizes Eskamani’s affordability agenda and bipartisan drowning-prevention law as she runs for Mayor of Orlando
ORLANDO, Fla. — State Representative Dr. Anna V. Eskamani has been ranked No. 3 in the Politics & Government category of Orlando Magazine’s “50 Most Powerful People of 2026,” published in the magazine’s October issue. Only Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, tied at No. 1.
The profile highlights Eskamani’s focus on Central Florida’s affordability crisis: the growing gap between what Orlando residents earn and what housing, insurance, utilities, child care and transportation cost. It cites her support for using public land for affordable and workforce housing, reforming zoning and parking rules, speeding up permitting, building near transit, strengthening Lynx and connecting SunRail to Orlando International Airport.
The magazine also notes one of her proudest recent accomplishments: bipartisan drowning-prevention legislation, passed with Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith (SB 428), that expanded water-safety education for new parents. The law took effect July 1.
“I’m honored, but this recognition belongs to the neighbors, advocates and partners who show up every day to make Orlando work for working people,” said Eskamani. “I grew up watching my parents work multiple jobs just to keep up, and too many families here are living that same story right now. Power only matters if you use it to close the gap between what people earn and what it costs to live here. That’s the work I’ve done in Tallahassee, and it’s the work I’ll bring to City Hall.”
“Leadership is measured by what continues after you leave the room,” Eskamani added. “The drowning-prevention law is a good example. Sen. Smith and I found common ground across the aisle, and that law will keep saving lives long after our time in the state legislature.”
Eskamani has represented House District 42 since 2018 and serves as Ranking Member of the Ways & Means and State Affairs committees. Her record includes the diaper tax exemption, increased arts funding, state parks protections and environmental legislation, alongside constituent casework that has helped Orlando residents secure unemployment benefits, housing and other critical support.
As a candidate for Mayor of Orlando, Eskamani is running on the People’s Platform, built around three pillars: Affordability, Safety and Transparency.
The full Orlando Magazine profile is available here.