It is shaping up to be Anna Eskamani and Democratic officials versus Mayor Buddy Dyer in the upcoming District 3 municipal election on November 4th.
Progressive Democrat Anna Eskamani is running for Orlando Mayor in 2027 but she has endorsed Mira Tanna for District 3 City Commissioner, while Buddy Dyer endorsed Roger Chapin in the same race. Chris Durant, Samuel Chambers, and Kimberly Kiss are also all candidates in the crowded race to replace Commissioner Robert Stuart, who was a Dyer loyalist and essentially a rubber stamp.
For many Democrats, Mira Tanna is the choice to shift the City of Orlando away from Buddy Dyer in District 3. But for Mayor Buddy Dyer, he does not want to see Tanna elected even though she has served as the City of Orlando’s Grants Manager, coordinating $275 million in grants activity since 2018. Tanna’s campaign said she wants to stand up for working families, fight for equality, and build a more inclusive Orlando – no wonder Buddy Dyer doesn’t support her.
Dyer clearly does not wish to see his own city government employees advance to an elected position, and he prefers Chapin who is more like Stuart. He is a local businessman who served on many public boards including the Municipal Planning Board, Downtown Development Board and Orlando Utilities Commission. With Buddy Dyer’s endorsement, voters should assume Chapin will be a rubber stamp for the establishment and status quo.
Roger Chapin’s campaign said he wants to use his business and civic experience to bring “civility and trust back to City Hall,” adding that he believes everyone, especially taxpayers, deserves to be treated with respect and transparency. Now that makes you wonder why Buddy Dyer would support his candidacy, and if elected Chapin will be held accountable to those campaign promises as respect and transparency are not valued by Mayor Dyer in Orlando.
Mira Tanna has also earned the support of a growing coalition of elected officials who trust her to lead with heart, integrity, and results, according to the campaign. In addition to Anna Eskamani, other Democrats behind Tanna include State Senator Carlos Smith, Tax Collector Scott Randolph, State Representative Rita Harris, State Senator LaVon Bracy Davis, and State Attorney Monique Worrell. They said they have seen her advocacy in action and they believe she is ready to bring people-first leadership to Orlando City Hall. Eskamani canvassers have helped door-to-door efforts for Tanna as well, dropping literature for both candidates.
The election for the District 3 Orlando City Council is November 4, 2025. District 1 and District 5 will also vote for City Commissioners.
Who will win Round 1 of Anna Eskamani vs. Mayor Buddy Dyer in Orlando? Or will constituents choose another contender in the race? Voters will decide on Election Day.