Conservative Bruno Portigliatti Will Run for Eric Eisnaugle’s Vacated House Seat

Republican Bruno Portigliatti has announced his candidacy as a Republican for state representative, District 44, following Rep. Eric Eisnaugle’s May 8 appointment to the 5th District Court of Appeals.

“I am excited and honored to have the opportunity to represent our community in Tallahassee,” said Portigliatti. “As an entrepreneur and CEO of a small business, I know what it’s like to face tough decisions and make payroll. ... I will be a strong voice for the people of House District 44 and will never stop fighting for bold, conservative ideas that protect our individual freedoms and create jobs for our families.”

Portigliatti was born in Sao Paulo, Brazil and moved to Central Florida with his family in 1999, where they became U.S. Citizens. Since then, he has lived in Orlando, particularly in the Dr. Phillips community and surrounding areas. He attended Southwest Middle School and Dr. Phillips High School, attended the University of South Florida in Tampa, where he received his B.A. in political science and Spanish. He went on to law school at Florida Coastal School of Law in Jacksonville, where he graduated with Pro Bono Honors, then completed his M.B.A. at Florida Christian University in Orlando.
 
Portigliatti currently is the executive vice president of 32-year-old Florida Christian University, a global-reach institution; chief executive officer of Excellence Senior Living, dedicated to providing luxury assisted living facilities to seniors in various communities throughout Central Florida; and president of New Beginnings Global Outreach, a non-for-profit charitable organization. He also manages several of his family’s real estate properties and developments.

Portigliatti is a board member of the Dr. Phillips YMCA, chairman of the City of Orlando Minority & Women Business Enterprise Certification Board, and a member of the Rotary Club of Dr. Phillips.

He and his wife Stephanie are active members of the First Baptist Church of Orlando.

In addition, Republican John Newstreet, president and CEO of the Kissimmee/Osceola County Chamber of Commerce, has also announced he will seek the seat. Republicans Republican Usha Jain of Orlando and former Winter Garden Commissioner Bobby Olszewski have also opened campaign accounts to run in the district -- as has Orlando Democrat Paul Chandler.