Commitment 2026: Orange County Mayoral Debate
The candidates in the Orange County mayoral race include Chris Messina, Mayra Uribe, Tiffany Moore Russell and Stephanie Murphy.
ORLANDO, Fla. —
Commitment 2026 is WESH 2’s long-running political initiative to bring the most comprehensive, fact-based information to viewers, including the primary debate series.
Orange County’s biggest job, county mayor, is on the ballot in August and WESH 2 hosted the candidates in the race for a debate. The candidates include Chris Messina, Mayra Uribe, Tiffany Moore Russell and Stephanie Murphy.
Orange County’s mayor presides over county operations and the budget, which is more than $9 billion. About 8,400 people work under the mayor’s administration.
The mayor sits as the executive head of the Board of County Commissioners, holding voting power along with other commissioner members.
The candidates were asked about topics affecting Central Florida voters, including affordability and the upcoming property tax bill.
Candidates also discussed their beliefs on tourist development taxes, public transportation and expanding sports facilities.
This debate was moderated by reporters Greg Fox and Stewart Moore.
Primary election day is Aug. 18, early voting begins Aug. 3, and if you want a mail-in-ballot, it must be requested by Aug. 6.
This debate is a part of an ongoing series of debates that will focus on the primary and general races across Central Florida. The debates will appear in their entirety at WESH.com with portions airing in WESH 2 newscasts and social media posts ahead of the Nov. 3 election.