Central Florida News
Roger Chapin Wins Orlando District 3 Runoff, Defeating Establishment-Backed Mira Tanna
Published
7 months agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Roger Chapin won Tuesday night’s runoff election for the Orlando City Commission District 3 seat, defeating establishment-backed candidate Mira Tanna with 51.33% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections. Chapin will become the district’s first new commissioner in nearly two decades, following the retirement of longtime incumbent Robert Stuart.
Chapin entered the runoff with a strong advantage, backed by several high-profile endorsements. His supporters included Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, outgoing District 3 Commissioner Robert Stuart, Orange County Sheriff John Mina, former opponents Chris Durant and Kimberly Kiss, local police and firefighter unions, the Orlando Sentinel editorial board, the Orlando Regional Realtors Association, and the Central Florida Hotel and Lodging Association.
Fundraising Edge and Name Recognition Boost Chapin
Chapin also benefited from a substantial fundraising lead. His campaign reported $293,000 in contributions—more than double Tanna’s $114,000. His name recognition as the son of former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin further strengthened his visibility among voters.
The runoff followed a tight Nov. 4 general election in which Chapin and Tanna emerged from a five-candidate field separated by only 14 votes, with neither securing the required majority. That narrow margin set the stage for Tuesday’s decisive head-to-head contest.
District 3 includes Baldwin Park, Audubon Park, College Park, Rosemont, and several neighborhoods north of Colonial Drive.
Democratic Establishment Support Falls Short for Tanna
Tanna ran with the backing of a wide network of Democratic, labor, and grassroots organizations. Her endorsements included
Federal and State Officials:
U.S. Congressman Maxwell Frost
State Senators LaVon Bracy Davis and Carlos Guillermo Smith
Former State Senator Victor Torres
State Representatives Anna V. Eskamani, Johanna López, Rita Harris, and Rashon Young
Local Officials:
Orange–Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell
Orange–Osceola Public Defender Melissa Vickers
Orange County Property Appraiser Amy Mercado
Orange County Tax Collector Scott Randolph
Orange County Commissioners Mike Scott and Nicole Wilson
Orange County School Board Member Angie Gallo
Orange County Soil and Water Supervisors Dr. Jim Moyer and Matthew Grocholske
Orlando City Commissioner-Elect Tom Keen
Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner
Organizations and Unions:
Ruth’s List Florida
SEIU Florida
Central Florida AFL-CIO
Florida Rising
Equality Florida Action PAC
Florida NOW PAC
Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
Orange County Environmental Caucus
Young Democrats of Orange County
Sierra Club Florida
Despite the extensive coalition, the broad establishment support ultimately did not translate into a runoff victory.
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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.
