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Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe Secures Reelection, Defeats Senator Linda Stewart in Heated District 3 Rematch

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ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) – Incumbent Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe clinched victory in the District 3 race, overcoming State Senator Linda Stewart in a contentious rematch. Both candidates entered the race amid controversies that fueled headlines and scrutiny.

Takeaways:

  • Ticket Scandal and Ethics Dismissal: Uribe faced intense scrutiny after a report revealed that she had transferred hundreds of event tickets from the county’s Skybox at the Kia Center and Camping World Stadium to her husband’s nonprofit since 2019. The nonprofit, however, had not filed recent 990 tax forms, sparking questions around possible personal benefit. While ethics concerns were raised, the Florida Ethics Commission ultimately dismissed the complaint against Uribe, affirming that no ethical violations occurred. Uribe and her husband consistently argued the issue was politically motivated.
  • Policy Change on Ticket Transfers: In response to the controversy, Orange County implemented a new rule in late October to close the loophole that allowed commissioners to assign county tickets to nonprofits of their choice.
  • Stewart’s Own Controversy: Sen. Linda Stewart also faced backlash from local officials after drafting a bill with a county lobbyist that could have restricted county control over funding for Visit Orlando. The move, seen by some as undermining county authority, led to the dismissal of the lobbyist after the Orlando Sentinel reported the story. Stewart’s attempt to preserve Visit Orlando’s funding without direct county involvement frustrated county leaders, adding tension to her campaign.
  • Uribe’s Statement on Reelection: After securing another term, Uribe expressed gratitude for the continued support from her constituents, promising to maintain transparency and prioritize community needs.

Impact of Uribe’s Win:

  • Demonstrates voter confidence despite ethical challenges and a heated campaign.
  • Highlights growing focus on ethics and transparency in county governance.
  • Secures Uribe’s role in shaping policy for District 3 as Orange County enforces stricter ticket transfer rules.

_______________________________________
J Willie David, III contributed to this report.
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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