Central Florida Decides: Mercado, Chandler differ on sanctuary cities, assault-style weapons

ORLANDO, Fla. — On Wednesday evening, WFTV Channel 9 launched the first installment of its Central Florida Debate Series by hosting the candidates for State House District 48.

The district covers south-central portions of Orange County, including the Southchase, Meadow Woods, Taft and Sky Lake communities. It also stretches northward to Azalea Park.

Democratic incumbent Amy Mercado faces Republican challenger George Chandler.

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Mercado was elected to office in 2016. Chandler was chosen by the Republican Party to challenge Mercado after the previous GOP candidate, Scotland Calhoun, dropped out of the race a few weeks before the August primary.

"The debate between candidates for State House seat 48 was a good chance for all of us to learn about the candidates in a debate format," Channel 9 anchor Greg Warmoth said.

He said that although the two agree on many issues, they seem to differ on so-called sanctuary cities.

"When pressed on whether she believes in sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants, Democrat incumbent Amy Mercado did say she believes that people here illegally but not breaking the law should be protected," Warmoth said. "Her challenger, Republican George Chandler, is strictly opposed to those protections and said they are breaking the law but stopped short of saying illegal immigrants (abiding by laws) should be rounded up."

Warmoth said the two candidates also differ on the topic of assault-style weapons and a proposed ban.

"Mercado says they absolutely should be taken off our streets while Chandler believes that law-abiding Floridians should have the right to possess these and other weapons," he said.

The Central Florida Debate Series is produced in conjunction with the Commission on Local Debates.

Click or tap here for a detailed map of Florida House District 48.

Cox Media Group