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Roger Chapin Wins Orlando District 3 Runoff, Defeating Establishment-Backed Mira Tanna

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Incumbent Orlando City Commissioner Robert Staurt and District 3 City Commissioner Candidate Roger Chapin

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

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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Central Florida News

Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs Presents ‘HYPE HAIR’ Exhibit by Peppermint Sandy in Downtown Orlando

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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs will present “HYPE HAIR,” a new exhibition by multidisciplinary artist Peppermint Sandy, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The exhibit will be on display from June 11 through June 25, 2026, showcasing Sandy’s wearable sculptures and mixed-media works that explore beauty, fashion, culture, and identity through the lens of Black hair and lived experiences.

Opening Reception Scheduled June 11

An opening reception will be held Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Orange County Administration Center.

  • Doors open at 5 p.m.
  • Program begins at 5:45 p.m.
  • Admission is free
  • Advance registration is requested

Exploring Beauty, Culture and Identity

Peppermint Sandy is a multidisciplinary artist whose work incorporates fabric, hair, textiles, and mixed media to examine cultural and societal perceptions of beauty, fashion, and personal identity.

“HYPE HAIR is a series of wearable sculptures inspired by not just my relationship with Black hair, but a dedication and love letter to all Black women and girls everywhere with our hair as well,” Sandy said. “From the beginning of time, Black hair is not only art, but a form of communication.”

The exhibition highlights the artistic, historical, and cultural significance of Black hair while celebrating self-expression and identity through contemporary art.

Exhibit Information

The exhibition will remain on display through June 25, 2026, in the Atrium Gallery at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave. in downtown Orlando.

The Administration Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., excluding holidays.

The exhibit is presented by Orange County Arts & Cultural Affairs as part of its ongoing commitment to showcasing diverse artistic voices and cultural perspectives throughout Central Florida.

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