ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. \u2014 Central Florida voters are headed to the polls Tuesday for the primary election, with affordability emerging as a major issue in one of the region\u2019s biggest local races: the race for Orange County mayor.<\/p>\n
Early voters have been turning out at polling locations, including on Kaley Street, in the days leading up to Election Day. <\/p>\n
For many, the rising cost of living has been a major issue.<\/p>\n
All four candidates made affordability a central part of their closing arguments Monday night, but they offered very different approaches to addressing the issue.<\/p>\n
The race to replace term-limited Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings features former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy, Orange County Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell, County Commissioner Mayra Uribe and businessman Chris Messina.<\/p>\n
Murphy says residents are feeling the financial squeeze every day and need relief from the rising cost of living.<\/p>\n
Russell is pointing to her record at the Orange County Clerk of Courts, including efforts to increase employee pay, as evidence she can deliver results quickly.<\/p>\n
Uribe is making a similar argument based on her experience in county government. She says that experience gives her a clear understanding of where the county can cut waste and find savings.<\/p>\n
Messina is focusing on property taxes. He supports Amendment 3, which would increase the homestead exemption for qualifying homeowners.<\/p>\n
With polls now open across Orange County, voters will decide which candidate they want to lead the county as affordability remains a key concern.<\/p>\n
The election could be decided Tuesday, but not necessarily.<\/p>\n
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a November runoff.<\/p>\n
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