Orange County Mayor race attracting prominent political figures

Several prominent politicians are considering running for the Orange County Mayor position in 2026. The current mayor, Jerry Demings, cannot run again due to term limits. A crowded field of candidates is expected. Among those showing interest are former U.S. Representatives Stephanie Murphy and Val Demings, along with Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe and Clerk of Courts Tiffany Moore-Russell. Other potential candidates include former commissioners Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd, as well as former Property Appraiser Rick Singh. Most of these candidates are Democrats, except for Boyd, who is a Republican. The mayor's position holds significant power within Orange County, overseeing a budget of $4.4 billion and managing more than 8,000 employees. The mayor plays a key role in crucial areas such as transportation, housing, and tourism. Although no one has officially filed to run yet, candidates have until June 2026 to declare their intentions. Stephanie Murphy, who left Congress in 2022, confirmed her interest in running. She has a background in national security and has served three terms in Congress. Val Demings, a former police chief and congresswoman, is also a potential candidate. She has been mentioned in connection with the race for months, but efforts to reach her for comments were unsuccessful. Mayra Uribe and Tiffany Moore-Russell have expressed strong interest in running. Uribe emphasized her desire to lead on issues like transportation and jobs. Moore-Russell, who made history as the youngest commissioner in Orange County, also indicated she is seriously exploring a candidacy. Others, like Emily Bonilla and Scott Boyd, are weighing their options. Bonilla focuses on protecting rural areas and has recently been active with her family farm. Boyd is considering the viability of a countywide campaign after previously opposing a controversial charter issue. As the election date approaches, more names are likely to emerge in this competitive race for Orange County Mayor.