In Tuesday’s Orlando City Council election, Regina Hill is fighting to get back her old seat after Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended her from office last year following her indictment on felony charges. Hill says she is innocent.

But to reclaim the office — as long as DeSantis doesn’t throw her out again — Hill must beat interim Commissioner Shan Rose, who won a Special Election last year for Hill’s remaining term. Rose has outraised Hill with a war chest of more than $45,000.

Adding to the political drama is a third candidate, community advocate Lawanna Gelzer, who jumped into the race late. In two months since filing for office Sept. 9, her mostly self-funded campaign brought in more than $38,000.

Gelzer, Hill, and Rose square off on the ballot Tuesday for Orlando City Council’s District 5 race, which covers downtown Orlando and several neighborhoods west of Interstate 4, including Parramore

Early voting ends 3 p.m. Sunday. Polls on Election Day open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. If no one wins with more than 50% of the vote, the race will go to a runoff in December.

The District 5 race has gotten heated as candidates traded barbs at a recent forum and on social media.

Gelzer and Hill debated each other at John H. Jackson Center in Parramore earlier this month. Rose did not attend.

“Thank you very much, interim Commissioner Rose, but your services are no longer needed,” Hill said, according to WKMG.

The news station also reported that Gelzer argued for change in the office. “I believe if you continue to give money to something that is failing us, you will get the same results,” she said.

Hill continued to maintain her innocence while Gelzer pointed out that the former Commissioner hasn’t faced trial yet.

Hill’s next court hearing is scheduled for Jan. 16 — months after Tuesday’s election. Hill has pleaded not guilty to several felony charges, including exploitation of an elderly person and scheming to defraud for $50,000 or more.

Authorities accused Hill of taking advantage of a 96-year-old with dementia and gaining control of the woman’s finances, then allegedly spending that money on a trip to Miami, a facelift and other personal expenses

When Hill was arrested last Spring, DeSantis suspended her from office, saying he normally kicks out elected officials who have been charged with a felony.

“For municipal officials it’s that criminal indictment that triggers that,” DeSantis said at a press conference at the time.

Rose emerged the victor from a field of seven candidates last year to win the Special Election to replace Hill.

Hill has argued the community cares less about her legal problems and more about other pressing issues.

“They know I’m a proven leader,” she told the media.

The three women listed their priorities, if elected, to the Orlando Sentinel.

Hill, who worked as a nurse, said she wants to increase housing, give skills training to the homeless to find work, and support small businesses.

Rose said she is focused on lowering crime, creating more high-paying jobs and also creating more affordable housing. She is a former Orlando city planner who runs a nonprofit providing social services in neighborhoods.

Gelzer, co-owner of the Peabo Childcare Center, wants to improve infrastructure and public transportation as well as monitor the air quality and help residents prepare to deal with climate change.