Central Florida News
Randy Ross Enters Crowded Race to Replace Mayra Uribe in Orange County Commission District 3
Published
4 months agoon
By
Willie David
ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Randy Ross has announced his candidacy for Orange County Commissioner, District 3, seeking to replace incumbent Commissioner Mayra Uribe, who has filed to run for Orange County mayor in 2026.
Ross, an Orlando resident and longtime community advocate, currently serves on the Orange County Membership Mission and Review Board. He was appointed to the board by Uribe and is serving his third term.
Ross said his campaign will focus on what he calls “intentional leadership,” emphasizing practical solutions and community-centered decision-making over political rhetoric.
“This campaign is about being intentional,” Ross said. “Intentional about protecting neighborhoods. Intentional about responsible growth. Intentional about public safety. Intentional about listening before speaking — and solving before signaling.”
District 3 faces ongoing challenges, including infrastructure demands tied to rapid growth, environmental concerns and maintaining accessible local government. Ross said his campaign will prioritize measurable results that address the needs of families, small businesses, seniors and first responders.
Responsible Growth and Infrastructure
Ross said development must keep pace with roads, schools, drainage systems and public safety services. He advocates for planning strategies that ensure infrastructure is not outpaced by expansion.
Public Safety and Community Standards
Ross pledged support for law enforcement and initiatives aimed at protecting neighborhood integrity and maintaining quality-of-life standards throughout District 3.
Senior Services and Small Business Support
Ross said he will advocate for expanded senior resources, including aging-in-place programs and caregiver support, while also promoting policies designed to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses and strengthen the local economy.
He also emphasized the importance of civil discourse in public service.
“Orange County doesn’t need louder voices. It needs steady hands,” Ross said. “We can disagree without being divided. We can grow without losing who we are. And we can govern with intention.”
Ross said he plans to begin meeting with residents, business owners and community leaders across District 3 in the coming weeks to gather input and discuss policy priorities.
Other candidates who have filed to run for the District 3 seat include Nelson Betancourt, Gus Martinez, Linda Stewart, Stephanie Ziglar, Walker Smith IV and Marthaly Irizarry.
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Central Florida News
State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 13, 2026
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.
Central Florida News
Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 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.
Central Florida News
State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed
Published
3 weeks agoon
June 12, 2026By
Willie David
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.
