As the Democratic National Convention came to a close Thursday night, hundreds of people gathered in Orlando to support local candidates.

  • Voters talk 1-on-1 with elected officials and candidates
  • Hob nob was bipartisan event, but most attendees were Dems

Nearly 400 people attended a hob nob presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce for Metro Orlando as a way for voters to talk one-on-one with elected officials and those who soon could be.

“I think when they have the opportunity to meet and greet these candidates, I think they will become more interested in wanting to get out on Aug. 30 and Nov. 8,” Hispanic Chamber President Diana Bolivar said.

The state of Florida is the third most Hispanic state in the country with 25 percent of residents who are Hispanic – something those in attendance Thursday night say is why this election is so important to them.

“We have much to offer, so we will definitely be out there and expressing ourselves as far as our views and what we can do to make our community better,” said Cyndia Muniz, a register Democrat.

The hob nob is a bipartisan event, though most of the crowd were registered Democrats.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump’s past statements about Hispanics and immigration has been heavily criticized by the Hispanic community – however, some Thursday night support what he has to say.

“Trump’s comments are simple: We have to secure the border to make sure that the good people come in legally and the bad people stay out,” said Jay Rodriguez, a registered Republican born and raised in Puerto Rico.

As the 2016 election approaches, those we spoke with say now more than ever their community is in the forefront of what has been a heated and contested race so far, and they are glad their voices are being heard by both sides of the aisle.

“A good friend told me if you’re not related to a Hispanic today, you will be eventually pretty soon, right?  So we’re here we are present, we are ready to contribute and make a positive impact on our community,” Muniz said.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce does not have any official hob nobs planned between now and the election, but several other small events are in the works.