Candidate Profile: Armando "A.C." Castillo — Florida House District 118

Office sought: Democratic Candidate for Florida House District 118

Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Campaign website: VotePeopleFirst.com

Why are you running to represent Florida House District 118?

District 118 is my home, and I believe working families need a stronger voice in Tallahassee.

I've lived in this community for more than 30 years, raised my family here and bought my first home here. I have watched everyday costs rise faster than paychecks. Our government should work for us, not against us.

What are the three most important issues currently facing residents of the district?

Affordability, including property insurance; traffic and transportation; and protecting strong public schools while ensuring teachers are paid competitively.

What experience best prepares you to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives?

I'm a regular working guy, just like most of us in the district. I am a longtime union worker and advocate who has spent years representing working people, resolving workplace issues and meeting with elected officials in Tallahassee and Washington.

I also served on Miami-Dade Community Council Area 11 in West Kendall, giving me firsthand experience with development and neighborhood issues.

What would be your first major priority if elected to Congress?

Affordability. I would focus on property insurance, housing costs and policies that help working families keep more of what they earn.

How would you address affordability, housing, infrastructure, insurance pressures and quality of life?

Florida needs a broader affordability strategy. I support stronger consumer protections in property insurance and expanded home-hardening and wind-mitigation programs.

We need more attainable workforce housing while protecting existing neighborhoods and infrastructure. We also need policies that strengthen wages and reduce unnecessary costs on working families. Wages must be part of the solution.

How do you plan to remain accessible and accountable?

I would hold regular community meetings, maintain accessible district office hours, communicate through social media and provide updates explaining legislation, votes and state funding affecting the district. Residents should not have to wait until election season to hear from their representative.

What distinguishes you from the other candidates?

I am a union worker who still clocks in and works for a living. I have served in local civic roles and spent years advocating for workers and working families. I know what it is like to live paycheck to paycheck.

Anything else voters should know?

I am a native Miamian and longtime District 118 resident. My parents came from Cuba in the 1970s, worked in the tomato fields and later operated a small Cuban bakery in District 118. My wife is a public school teacher, and my family is rooted in this community.