ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Rick Singh, a U.S. Army veteran, business leader and former Orange County property appraiser, has announced his candidacy for Orange County Clerk of Courts, outlining a platform focused on efficiency, modernization and improved customer service.

“I’m running to make government work faster, smarter and more efficiently for the people of Orange County,” Singh said. “Residents deserve a Clerk’s Office that is responsive, transparent and built for today’s needs.”

PLAN TO MODERNIZE AND IMPROVE SERVICES

Singh outlined several immediate priorities if elected, including upgrading technology and expanding digital access.

“We will modernize the system by reducing long lines, enhancing online services and making it easier for residents to access records, make payments and interact with the Clerk’s Office,” Singh said.

His plan includes improving website and mobile access, streamlining in-person services and reducing wait times for residents.

FOCUS ON EFFICIENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

In addition to modernization, Singh said he will prioritize operational improvements and customer service reforms.

“We will overhaul customer service to prioritize speed, respect and accountability,” Singh said. “That includes auditing operations to eliminate delays and inefficiencies that frustrate residents.”

Singh emphasized that creating a more efficient and user-friendly experience will be a top priority from day one.

EXPERIENCE, INNOVATION AND COMPETITIVE FIELD

During his tenure as property appraiser, Singh led the office with the scope and visibility of a countywide constitutional role, implementing reforms that improved transparency, accuracy and efficiency.

His annual “State of Orange County Real Estate” events drew thousands of attendees, including elected officials, real estate professionals, financial leaders and community stakeholders, positioning the office as a key platform for economic insight and public engagement.

Supporters point to Singh’s track record of innovation — including modernizing systems and improving operational performance — as a model for how he would lead the Clerk of Courts office.

“I’ve led a large countywide office and delivered results,” Singh said. “I’m ready to bring that same level of leadership, innovation and accountability to the Clerk of Courts.”

His entry into the race adds to an already competitive field that includes Maribel Gomez Cordero, a current county commissioner and former vice mayor, and Emily Bonilla, a former commissioner and vice mayor, both of whom bring experience in local government leadership and community engagement.

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (FNN) — The campaign for David Jolly announced it has surpassed $5 million in total contributions since launching in June, signaling growing momentum in Florida’s governor’s race.

According to the campaign, donations have come from supporters in all 67 Florida counties and all 50 states, as Jolly continues a statewide tour of town halls and community meetings.

FUNDRAISING MILESTONES

The campaign reported raising $2 million so far in 2026, marking its strongest fundraising period to date and the third consecutive quarter of growth.

In addition, the campaign said it raised $1 million in the days following the March 24 special election victories of Emily Gregory and Brian Nathan, events that campaign officials say energized donors statewide and nationally.

ENDORSEMENTS AND CAMPAIGN MESSAGE

Following the special elections, Gregory publicly endorsed Jolly, citing his focus on affordability and coalition-building across party lines.

Jolly emphasized his campaign’s priorities in a statement:

“Floridians are hungry for leadership focused on lowering costs and bringing people together to solve Florida’s urgent problems,” Jolly said. “This outpouring of support shows that donors across our state and the country recognize Florida is in play and that we are building a formidable campaign capable of winning this race.”

Jolly’s platform centers on addressing the state’s affordability challenges, including housing, insurance costs and access to health care and education.

RACE OUTLOOK AND MOMENTUM

Recent polling, according to the campaign, shows Jolly within single digits of Republican frontrunner Byron Donalds, suggesting a competitive race.

Campaign Chair Mitchell Berger pointed to continued growth and expanding national support.

“This is what momentum looks like: three straight quarters of growth, record fundraising, expanding national support, and polling that shows this race tightening,” Berger said.

Since launching his campaign in June 2025, Jolly has held more than 200 community meetings across Florida, aiming to build a broad coalition of voters.