ORLANDO, Fla. —
Commitment 2026 is WESH 2’s long-running political initiative to bring the most comprehensive, fact-based information to viewers, including the debate series.
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The seat for Orange County mayor is on the November ballot.
The two candidates with the most votes in the August primary are now moving to a runoff election on Nov. 3. The candidates are Chris Messina and Tiffany Moore Russell.
WESH 2 invited them for a debate.
>> Watch the full debate above
What does Orange County’s mayor do?
Orange County’s mayor presides over county operations and the budget, which is more than $9 billion. That includes employment for close to 8,400 people who work in the Mayor’s administration.
The mayor also sits as the executive head of the board and is the only countywide elected member of the county commission.
The debate
The candidates were asked about different topics that affect Central Florida voters, including affordability and taxes, including the Tourist Development Tax, and the property tax amendment, Amendment 3.
Candidates also discussed how they might tackle making housing and everyday life more affordable. Also discussed during the debate was transportation, and how it can be made more accessible to Central Florida Citizens.
This debate was moderated by anchor Stewart Moore.
Election day is Nov. 3, early voting begins Oct. 24, and if you want a mail-in-ballot, it must be requested by Oct. 22.