After losing to Republican Susan Plasencia for Florida House District 37, Orlando Democrat Carlos Guillermo Smith blamed his "demoralized" party for poor midterm election results in Florida.

"Democratic turnout was abysmal, and this ultimately was the driving factor in determining the outcome of this and many other races," said Smith.

Smith referenced how the "red wave" many Republicans had been expecting was limited to Texas and Florida, as Democrats have retained control of the Senate and could also hold on to the House.

"On Election Night, [Gov.] Ron DeSantis said Florida is where 'woke goes to die,'" tweeted Smith. "The irony is that with Democrats winning nationwide, Florida will be where MAGA goes to die too."

While DeSantis' redrawing of Florida's political map had skewed results and campaigning in favor of Republicans, Smith was disconnected from the voters in the new map that put him well into Seminole County.

He suggested that the Democrat Party gave up early on Florida, considering how the Republicans had great success with voter registration.

"Gov. DeSantis had created a little MAGA universe for them here in the Sunshine State, which is certainly not helpful," said Smith. "I think Democratic parties have just been demoralized into not wanting to participate."

Republicans won all the competitive House races in Central Florida, including those which were previously blue in 2018 despite vigorous campaigning for some candidates, such as Rep. Val Demings. Millions of dollars had been raised and spent by Democrats in Florida in order to unseat Republicans and maintain control over their seats, but large out-of-state donors were notably missing.

Smith can't seek office due to term limits but intends to remain politically active in the state.

"Florida is my home and I love this community," explained Smith." That's why I am not going anywhere."

Florida