Vazquez seeks Pasco Commission District 2 seat

Stephanie Vazquez, a Democrat, is running for Pasco County Commission District 2 in the Nov. 3, 2026, Florida general election. She faces Republican Seth Weightman, according to BallotReady election data.

Asked why she is running, Vazquez said in our candidate questionnaire: "I want the people who live in Pasco to have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect our lives. We're sitting in traffic, worrying about flooding, and watching new development get approved while roads, drainage, and schools struggle to keep up."

Candidate information

Residence: Wesley Chapel, with her husband, Yamani, and their six children, all of whom attend Pasco public schools, according to her campaign website.

Party: Democrat.

Education: Vazquez said in our questionnaire: "I hold a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science from Bellevue University, a master's degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida, and a master's degree in Public Administration from Northeastern University."

Family: Asked about her family, Vazquez said in our questionnaire: "My husband and I have a blended family of six children, and we call Wesley Chapel home. Raising a family here makes the issues facing Pasco personal to me, from our schools and neighborhood safety to the traffic we sit in and the cost of everyday life."

Experience and public service

Vazquez said in our questionnaire: "I have not previously held elected public office." She said she "served for five years on the Pasco County Commission on Human Trafficking, with three of those years serving as Vice Chair."

Asked about her work history, Vazquez said: "I'm a Marketing Manager at Northeastern University … Previously, I served as Public Information Officer for the City of Zephyrhills, helping residents understand city services and decisions that affected their community. I also served as Vice President of the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking."

She said she is also an Air Force veteran whose "experience spans military service, local government, nonprofit leadership, and higher education."

On the issues

Asked about the most important growth-management decision the commission has gotten wrong, Vazquez said in our questionnaire: "The biggest mistake has been approving growth without making sure the infrastructure can support it. When roads and drainage are already struggling, another approval has consequences for everyone who lives nearby."

She added: "Before approving a rezoning that allows more development, I want clear answers about what infrastructure is needed, who will pay for it, and when it will be ready … If there isn't a workable plan, I'm willing to vote no."

Asked what sets her apart from other candidates, Vazquez said: "I haven't taken a dime from developers. My campaign is grassroots, and I've spent my time talking with residents about what they need from county government."

On her issues page, Vazquez said she supports tying rezoning approvals to road capacity and school availability, prioritizing flood risk assessments before major developments, and advocating for developers to pay their fair share for road improvements.