{"id":330699,"date":"2026-07-06T14:21:10","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:21:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/330699\/"},"modified":"2026-07-06T14:21:10","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:21:10","slug":"qa-orange-county-mayoral-candidates-talk-experience-vision-for-orlando-area","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/330699\/","title":{"rendered":"Q&A: Orange County mayoral candidates talk experience, vision for Orlando area"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the weeks before the Aug. 18 Orange County election, The Apopka Chief is running questionnaires for Apopka-area races, starting with the office of Orange County mayor. This year, four candidates are running for the office: Chris Messina, Tiffany Moore Russell, Stephanie\u00a0Murphy\u00a0and Mayra Uribe. To read more about their backgrounds, platforms and approaches to county government, see their answers below.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"ChrisCourtesy of Chris Messina Chris Messina<\/p>\n

Chris Messina,\u00a0CEO of Body1<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

What in your professional and community backgrounds makes you the best candidate?\u00a0
1. My 30+ years of visionary, executive leadership using technology to solve problems, build businesses, & grow high-tech trade associations.\u00a0
2. My education\u2014Masters City & Regional Planning & MBA, Harvard Business School.\u202f\u00a0
3. My lifelong volunteer community service\u2014Vice Chair\u00a0of\u00a0Orange County Watch, hospital\/healthcare boards, high school football coach, & Big Brothers Big Sisters.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

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What prompted you to run for mayor?\u00a0
I ran (& was the runner-up with\u00a0nearly 40,000\u00a0votes) for Orange County Mayor in 2022 because of concern about government overreach and excessive taxation. Now in 2026,\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0also deeply concerned that many of our citizens are struggling, financially and otherwise, in a region\u00a0that\u2019s\u00a0so rich in resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are the three most\u00a0important issues\u00a0facing Orange County, and what would be your\u00a0approach to addressing them as mayor?\u00a0
1.\u202fEnding economic insecurity.\u202f\u202fMedian wages here are at the very bottom of the 50 largest US metro\u00a0areas[1].\u202f\u202fWe\u2019ll\u00a0diversify the economy with\u00a0additional\u00a0high-tech jobs,\u00a0especially in\u00a0SpaceTech, starting with the\u00a0SpaceForce\u00a0Academy.\u00a0
2.\u202fKeeping our kids safe.\u202f\u202fOur children are under siege.\u202f\u202fWe will fight against both external\u00a0& internal\u00a0threats.\u202f\u202fOne way\u00a0we\u2019ll\u00a0do this is by giving hope for\u00a0a great job\u00a0after school, through a subsidized trades education for everyone who wants one.\u00a0
3.\u202fEliminating\u00a0local government waste & bureaucracy.\u202f\u202fWe\u2019ll\u00a0tackle this through zero-based budgeting, forensic\u00a0audits\u00a0& fiscaldiscipline.\u00a0<\/p>\n

[1]\u202fUS Census Bureau data for median income\u00a0<\/p>\n

Orange County continues to experience record tourism and economic growth. What would you do as mayor to help Apopka and northwest Orange County attract more jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements tied to that growth?\u00a0
Our plan to bring the first military academy to the South\u00ad\u2014the Space Force Academy\u2014 will spin off $1B+ in annual revenues.\u202f\u202fWe\u00a0anticipate\u00a0that much of that\u00a0spending will occur in Apopka.\u202f\u202fMy administration also will promote Apopka\u2019s natural wonders such as Rock\u00a0Springs,\u00a0Lake Apopka (restart fishing competitions!) and Wekiva Springs to visitors.\u202f\u202fIn nearby Ocoee we plan to convert the\u00a0blighted\u00a0West Oaks Mall into a multiuse residential, shopping & commercial center.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where can voters go to learn more about you?\u00a0
Voters can learn more about me, volunteer, contribute, share\u00a0perspectives, and prepare to vote on Aug. 18 at mywebsite\u202fChrisMessina.com<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"TiffanyOfficial photo Tiffany Moore Russell<\/p>\n

Tiffany Moore Russell,\u00a0Orange County Clerk of Courts<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

What in your professional and community backgrounds makes you the best candidate?\u00a0
For more than 20 years, I have served Orange County as an Orange County Commissioner and as Clerk of Courts. My experience managing large organizations, balancing budgets, and working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and community leaders has prepared me to lead Orange County with integrity, accountability, and results.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What prompted you to run for\u00a0mayor?\u00a0
Orange County deserves experienced leadership focused on bringing people together to address today\u2019s challenges. I have spent my career serving this community, and I believe my experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to responsible growth will help ensure Orange County\u00a0remains\u00a0a place where families, businesses, and neighborhoods can thrive.\u00a0I am more motivated to run to ensure that my two teen sons\u00a0has\u00a0a thriving community to return to.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What\u00a0are the three most\u00a0important issues\u00a0facing Orange County, and what would be your approach to addressing them as mayor?\u00a0
Affordable housing, responsible growth, and economic opportunity are Orange County\u2019s biggest challenges. I will expand workforce housing through partnerships,\u00a0preserve existing affordable housing, and encourage smart development. I will ensure infrastructure, transportation, and public safety keep pace with growth while protecting our natural resources. Finally, I will support workforce development, small businesses, and responsible fiscal management to strengthen our economy and create opportunities for residents throughout Orange County.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Orange County continues to experience record tourism and economic growth. What would you do as mayor to help Apopka and northwest Orange County attract more jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements tied to that growth?\u00a0
Economic growth should\u00a0benefit\u00a0every part of Orange County. I will work with Apopka, regional partners, and the business community to improve transportation infrastructure, support workforce development, encourage strategic business recruitment, and invest in utilities and broadband. By coordinating land-use planning with infrastructure investments, we can attract high-quality employers while preserving the character and natural resources that make northwest Orange County unique.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where can voters go to learn more about you?\u00a0
As a current elected official,\u00a0voters can visit\u00a0www.myorangeclerk.com<\/a>\u00a0to learn how I have performed as their Orange County Clerk of Courts.\u00a0They will be able to review my leadership as it relates to modernizing the website, expanding access to\u00a0justice\u00a0and providing customer service to citizens.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Furthermore, they can visit my campaign website at tiffanyformayor.com, or follow Tiffany Moore Russell on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0for campaign updates, priorities, and upcoming community events.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Stephanie Murphy,\u00a0Founder of Center Aisle Coalition<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"StephanieCourtesy of the Stephanie Murphy for Mayor Campaign Stephanie Murphy<\/p>\n

What in your professional and community backgrounds makes you the best candidate?\u00a0\u00a0
I\u2019ve\u00a0led in business, at the Department of Defense, and in Congress, where\u00a0I solved\u00a0\u00a0complex problems and delivered results through collaboration and\u00a0accountability. As a mom raising my family in Orange County,\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0bringproven executive leadership to make our community more affordable,\u00a0livable, and prosperous.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What prompted you to run for mayor?\u00a0
Orange County is at a crossroads. As we grow, we must ensure growth\u00a0improves life for the people who already live here.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0running because too\u00a0many families are struggling with housing costs, traffic, and whether their\u00a0children can afford to build a future here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are the three most\u00a0important issues\u00a0facing Orange County, and what would be your approach to addressing them as mayor?\u00a0
My priorities are affordability, livability, and opportunity.\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0expand attainable housing,\u00a0improve\u00a0transportation,\u00a0strengthen\u00a0public safety, and\u00a0make\u00a0county\u00a0government more responsive, efficient, and accountable.\u00a0I\u2019llsupport small\u00a0businesses, attract higher-wage employers, and invest in the infrastructure\u00a0needed to keep pace with growth. My focus is simple: deliver world-class\u00a0services and build a world-class community where families can afford to\u00a0live, businesses can thrive, and young people can build their futures right\u00a0here in Orange County.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Orange County continues to experience record tourism and economic growth. What would you do as mayor to help Apopka and northwest Orange County attract more jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements tied to that growth?\u00a0
Apopka and northwest Orange County deserve to share in our region\u2019s success.\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0prioritize\u00a0transportation improvements, expand infrastructure that supports responsible growth, and\u00a0attract higher-wage employers in industries like advanced manufacturing, defense, healthcare,\u00a0and technology.\u00a0I\u2019ll\u00a0also streamline permitting, support local small businesses, and ensure\u00a0county investments create economic opportunity in every part of Orange County, not just our\u00a0tourism corridor.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where can voters go to learn more about you?\u00a0
Website:\u00a0murphyformayor.com<\/a>\u00a0
Instagram:\u00a0instagram.com\/murphyforocmayor<\/a>\u00a0
Facebook:\u00a0https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/StephanieMurphyFL\/<\/a>\u00a0
Threads:\u00a0https:\/\/www.threads.com\/@murphyforocmayor<\/a>\u00a0
X\/Twitter:\u00a0https:\/\/x.com\/Murphy4OCMayor<\/a>\u00a0
Bluesky:\u00a0https:\/\/bsky.app\/profile\/murphyformayor.bsky.social<\/a>\u00a0
TikTok:\u00a0https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/@murphyformayor<\/a>\u00a0
YouTube:\u00a0https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@StephanieMurphyForFlorida<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"MayraOfficial photo Mayra Uribe<\/p>\n

Mayra Uribe,\u00a0Orange County Commissioner District 3<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

What in your professional and community backgrounds makes you the best candidate?\u00a0
I\u2019m\u00a0running for Mayor because\u00a0it\u2019s\u00a0time for a new direction that puts residents first by focusing on the issues that affect our daily lives and ensuring county government is accountable, responsive, and results oriented.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0time to stop letting special interests\u202fhave\u00a0their\u00a0way. Their well-financed influence\u00a0have\u00a0been on the scale for far too long. We need to rebalance.\u00a0My Orange County is a place where families can afford to live, businesses can thrive, and our children and grandchildren will choose to build their futures because of the opportunities and quality of life we create together.\u00a0<\/p>\n

What prompted you to run for mayor?\u00a0
I\u2019m\u00a0running for Orange County Mayor because\u00a0I believe leadership\u00a0means listening, delivering results, and putting residents first. Orange County is my home. I was born and\u00a0raised here.\u00a0I\u2019m\u00a0raising a family and building a life and\u00a0abusiness\u00a0here. And just like everyone else,\u202fI want to thrive here.\u00a0I\u2019m\u202fheavily invested in our community, my neighborhood, my\u00a0church. Orange County is a part of me.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0why I am so passionate about serving as the\u202fnext Mayor.\u00a0I am uniquely qualified and ready on day one\u202fto\u202fsit at the head of the table and make decisions that are in the\u202fbest interest of\u202fthe people of Orange County.\u00a0I believe that this election\u00a0is crucial because we are\u202fat a pivotal moment, and our residents need, now more than ever, leaders that deliver\u202fresults.\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n

What are the three most\u00a0important issues\u00a0facing Orange County, and what would be your approach to addressing them as mayor?\u00a0
Three top priorities for Orange County are\u202fgood paying jobs\/business\u00a0development, transportation, and attainable housing.\u00a0In my first two years, residents should expect measurable outcomes,\u202fincluding a more transparent and accountable budgeting process, lower administrative costs, improved government efficiency, continued investment in public safety without unnecessary\u00a0spending growth, and greater resources directed toward priorities such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure that directly improve quality of life.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Orange County continues to experience record tourism and economic growth. What would you do as mayor to help Apopka and northwest Orange County attract more jobs, investment and infrastructure improvements tied to that growth?\u00a0
Orange County\u2019s Tourist Development Tax (TDT) should be managed with accountability and a clear focus on maximizing benefits for both our tourism economy and our residents. Most of our County residents, 70%, want TDT taxes from tourists to go to transportation, public\u00a0safety\u00a0and housing.\u202f I have been a leader on these issues,\u202fand\u202fI will continue to battle for better deals for the citizens of Orange County.\u202fThat includes working with state officials to change existing laws so that Orange County can spend more of the money we collect on those who live and work here.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Where can voters go to learn more about you?\u00a0
Visit\u202fMayraforMayor.com<\/a>, follow my social media channels, attend community events, or contact our campaign to learn more about my vision for Orange County.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\" <\/p>\n

Sarah Merly is an editorial assistant and reporter for The Apopka Chief. She joined the Chief in May 2025 after graduating from Patrick Henry College’s journalism program in Washington, D.C., where she served as the layout editor for her school newspaper. In her spare time, Sarah loves serving her local church, visiting Disney, and throwing parties.<\/p>\n

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