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Former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy Joins Crowded Race for Orange County Mayor

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy officially announced her candidacy for Orange County Mayor in a video posted to her social media platforms, marking the beginning of what’s expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched and competitive political races.

Murphy, a Democrat who represented Florida’s 7th Congressional District from 2017 to 2023, enters a race that’s already filling up ahead of the November 2026 election, as current Mayor Jerry Demings is term-limited. She made history as the first Vietnamese American woman elected to Congress. Before her time in office, Murphy served as a national security specialist in the office of the U.S. Secretary of Defense.

A Crowded Field of Candidates Forms

Murphy joins a growing list of contenders for Orange County’s top elected position. The declared field currently includes entrepreneur Chris Messina, Orange County Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore Russell, and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe.

Murphy’s Campaign Message and Priorities

In her campaign launch video, Murphy emphasized her bipartisan record in Congress and her private sector business experience as key assets she intends to bring to county government.

“Just like you, I’ve got skin in the game, and I’ll work every day to make Orange County the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Murphy said.

She outlined several policy priorities for her campaign:

  • Expanding affordable housing for working families

  • Strengthening public safety and community policing

  • Investing in education and youth programs

  • Enhancing county services

  • Diversifying Orange County’s economy by attracting new industries while continuing to support Central Florida’s tourism-driven economy

As of this report, however, official Orange County election records show Murphy has not yet formally filed her candidacy.

US Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) served on the House select committee to investigate the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Photo: Stephanie Murphy


National Spotlight Expected

Murphy’s campaign is likely to draw national attention, not only because of her congressional background but also her role on the House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol.

During her time in Congress, Murphy was part of the committee examining the actions of former President Donald Trump and his supporters in the 2021 Capitol riot. Several Florida and Orlando-based Trump supporters were arrested, sentenced, and later pardoned by Trump, the current presdent.

Given Murphy’s involvement in that investigation, her mayoral bid could attract scrutiny and commentary from Trump allies and conservative media outlets, positioning the race as a potential flashpoint in Florida’s political landscape heading into 2026.

Other Potential Candidates

Last month, former Congresswoman Val Demings announced she would not run for her husband’s job as Orange County Mayor, leaving the field wide open for other potential candidates. As Florida National News reported months ago, several names have been floated as possible contenders.

Among those mentioned are former Orange County Commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd, as well as former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, who transformed his county office into a nationally and globally recognized leader. Singh’s annual State of Orange County Real Estate conference consistently drew more than a thousand attendees.

Stay connected to Florida National News for continuing coverage of the 2026 Orange County elections and local political developments.

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J Willie David, III contributed to this report. He can be reached at News@FloridaNationalNews.com

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

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Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

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US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

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Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

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