ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The race for Orange County Clerk of Courts has entered a new chapter following Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero’s withdrawal, leaving voters with a head-to-head contest between former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh and Orange County Clerk of Courts General Counsel Roberta Walton Johnson.

With incumbent Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell running for Orange County mayor, voters will elect a new clerk for the first time in more than a decade. The race now presents a choice between two candidates with different backgrounds but significant public-sector experience.

While recent headlines have focused on lawsuits and campaign controversies, both candidates are expected to spend the final weeks making their case on qualifications, leadership and their vision for one of Orange County’s most important constitutional offices.

An Open Constitutional Office

The Orange County Clerk of Courts serves as clerk to the courts and County Commission, custodian of public records, county recorder and chief financial officer for numerous court-related functions. The office oversees billions of dollars in transactions annually while providing services to residents, businesses and the judicial system.

With the field narrowed to two candidates, voters will compare experience, leadership and each candidate’s ability to manage a large countywide office.

Rick Singh: Former Countywide Constitutional Officer

Rick Singh previously served as Orange County Property Appraiser, leading one of Florida’s largest property appraisal offices.

Throughout his tenure, Singh emphasized technological modernization, operational efficiency, transparency and customer service.

His campaign highlights:

• Executive leadership of a countywide constitutional office.
• Experience managing large budgets and personnel.
• Technology modernization initiatives.
• Increased public access to government services.
• Fiscal accountability and operational efficiency.

Singh argues his experience managing a constitutional office prepares him to immediately lead the Clerk’s Office.

Roberta Walton Johnson: Clerk’s Office Legal Leader

Roberta Walton Johnson serves as General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Courts, where she advises the office on legal matters, compliance, public records and government operations.

Her campaign emphasizes:

• Extensive institutional knowledge.
• Legal and administrative experience.
• Continuity of leadership.
• Public records compliance.
• Customer service and operational stability.

Johnson says her experience inside the Clerk’s Office positions her to continue serving residents with minimal disruption while building on existing operations.

Candidate Comparison

Campaign Priorities

Both candidates have emphasized many of the same core responsibilities expected of the next Clerk, including:

• Improving customer service.
• Modernizing technology.
• Protecting public records.
• Fiscal responsibility.
• Efficient court operations.
• Transparency and accountability.
• Expanding public access to Clerk services.

Their campaigns differ primarily in how they believe those goals should be achieved and which experiences best prepare them for the position.

Moving Beyond Campaign Controversies

Like several Orange County races this election cycle, the Clerk’s race has attracted attention beyond policy issues.

Singh has faced scrutiny over litigation and campaign disputes stemming from previous elections, while Walton Johnson has worked to address questions about a criminal case from more than 30 years ago.

During the campaign, Orange County sheriff candidate Bill Moore has repeatedly criticized Walton Johnson over her involvement as a young adult in a Georgia scheme involving stolen tax refund checks. Johnson did not serve prison time and has described the incident as a mistake she made as a naïve 20-year-old that carried lasting consequences. She says the experience changed the direction of her life, leading her to earn a law degree, build a successful legal career and ultimately serve as General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Courts.

Both candidates now appear focused on ensuring those controversies do not overshadow the central question facing voters: who is best prepared to manage one of Orange County’s largest constitutional offices.

Connecting With Voters Countywide

Unlike district races, candidates for Orange County Clerk of Courts must earn support from voters across the entire county.

Political observers say success will likely depend on each campaign’s ability to demonstrate:

• Leadership.
• Integrity.
• Administrative experience.
• Fiscal management.
• Transparency.
• Accessibility.
• A clear vision for improving public service.

Community forums, debates and voter outreach will provide opportunities for Singh and Walton Johnson to explain how their backgrounds prepare them to lead the Clerk’s Office.

Decision Before Voters

Following Gómez Cordero’s withdrawal, Orange County voters now face a clear choice between two candidates with different paths to public service.

Rick Singh brings executive experience leading a countywide constitutional office and has centered his campaign on modernization, efficiency and accountability.

Roberta Walton Johnson offers decades of legal experience within the Clerk’s Office, emphasizing continuity, institutional knowledge and her belief that personal redemption and professional achievement have prepared her for elected leadership.

As Election Day approaches, both candidates will seek to persuade voters that their experience, leadership and vision make them the best choice to succeed Tiffany Moore Russell as Orange County’s next Clerk of Courts.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The City of Orlando will officially begin its Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget process on Monday, July 13, with a public budget workshop outlining Mayor Buddy Dyer’s proposed spending plan for the coming fiscal year.

City officials said the proposed budget is balanced, does not increase the city’s millage rate, and continues to prioritize the core municipal services residents rely on every day.

Budget Workshop Scheduled for July 13

The budget process begins with a workshop at 10 a.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of Orlando City Hall.

During the workshop, Mayor Buddy Dyer and members of the Orlando City Council will receive an overview of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget from Chief Financial Officer Jose Fernandez and Assistant Chief Financial Officer Jason Wojkiewicz.

In addition to presenting the proposed spending plan, city financial officials will discuss proposed property tax reform and its potential impact on future city budgets and long-term financial planning.

Public Hearings Scheduled for September

Following the budget workshop, Orlando residents will have opportunities to provide public input during two public hearings in September.

Budget Hearing No. 1

Monday, Sept. 14, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall

During the first hearing, the City Council is expected to adopt a proposed millage rate and establish a tentative Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Budget Hearing No. 2

Monday, Sept. 28, 2026
5:01 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Orlando City Hall

The second and final public hearing will include the City Council’s vote to adopt the final millage rate, Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget and Capital Improvement Program.

Budget Takes Effect Oct. 1

If approved, Orlando’s Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget will take effect on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, marking the beginning of the city’s new fiscal year.

FY 2026-27 Budget Timeline

• Monday, July 13 — Budget Workshop (10 a.m.)
• Monday, Sept. 14 — First Public Budget Hearing (5:01 p.m.)
• Monday, Sept. 28 — Final Public Budget Hearing and Adoption Vote (5:01 p.m.)
• Thursday, Oct. 1 — Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Implementation

The annual budget process establishes funding priorities for city operations, public safety, transportation, parks, infrastructure, capital improvements and other municipal services while determining the city’s property tax rate for the upcoming fiscal year.