Photo: Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, Former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh, and former Orange County Commissioner Emily Bonnilla
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — A slate of prominent and experienced political leaders has filed paperwork to run for Orange County Clerk of Courts in 2028, setting the stage for a competitive race to succeed incumbent Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell, who is running for Orange County mayor in 2026.
According to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office, Maribel Gomez Cordero filed on Jan. 12, 2026; Rick Singh filed on April 7, 2026; and Emily Bonilla filed on April 10, 2026.
CANDIDATE BACKGROUNDS AND EXPERIENCE
Gomez Cordero, a current Orange County commissioner and former vice mayor. She has been elected districtwide for two terms and is known for her focus on community engagement and mental health advocacy. Her campaign emphasizes modernizing the clerk’s office with transparency, efficiency and accessibility.
Singh previously served two terms as Orange County property appraiser, making him the only candidate in the race with countywide constitutional office experience. His tenure focused on property valuation accuracy, taxpayer fairness and government accountability.
Bonilla, a former Orange County commissioner and vice mayor, also served two terms representing her district. Her background includes work in economic development, housing and community revitalization, positioning her as a candidate with experience in policy and constituent services.
WHAT EACH CANDIDATE BRINGS
If elected clerk:
Gomez Cordero is expected to focus on modernization of court services, expanded public access and community-centered initiatives, leveraging her long record of public service and advocacy.
Singh would likely bring a data-driven and administrative approach, emphasizing transparency, fiscal oversight and operational efficiency based on his experience managing a countywide office.
Bonilla is positioned to prioritize accessibility, customer service and equitable access to court resources, drawing from her background in community development and public policy.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CLERK’S OFFICE?
The timing of Russell’s resignation will determine how the vacancy is filled. If Tiffany Moore Russell submits her resignation before the end of her term, the governor could appoint a replacement. Otherwise, the race could be placed on an upcoming election ballot, potentially as early as 2026.
The Clerk of Courts office plays a critical role in maintaining court records, managing legal filings, overseeing financial transactions and supporting the judicial system in Orange County.
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.
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.
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.