ORLANDO, Fla. – With Election Day nearing, candidates at the federal, state and local levels spent Wednesday making their case to voters — including the contenders in the race for Orange County mayor.
Former U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy, Orange County Clerk Tiffany Russell and Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe were among those campaigning, as the field works to stand out before the Aug. 18 primary.
Affordable housing remains one of the key issues dividing candidates. In earlier News 6 coverage, Ashley Garrett reported Russell and Uribe disagreed over where future affordable housing should be built, with Uribe arguing it should be placed in areas beyond communities like Pine Hills.
Wednesday, Ashley asked Russell what it says when someone suggests affordable housing should go into “nicer areas,” Russell pushed back on the framing and said the county should spread housing options countywide.
“When we look at the county as a whole we should look at diversifying all of our housing and promote inclusive housing in all eight districts not just certain districts,” Russell said.
Uribe, meanwhile, said her comments reflect her experience advocating for equal resources and conditions across Orange County.
“I tell people who differ why don’t YOU go live back there and see how it is and see how we have to fight and champion for the same quality of life as other areas of town,” Uribe said. “My thing is quality if life was the same across this county I wouldn’t complain.”
Murphy said the county needs housing options that reflect different life stages and incomes.
“There’s housing at every different level whether you are a young person trying to rent your first apartment with some friends or you are a family who’s trying to achieve the American Dream … or you’re a senior who’s trying to age in place,” Murphy said.
Murphy also framed her campaign as driven by long-term goals rather than attacks on rivals.
“I always say I’m not running against any other candidate. I’m running with a vision for the community,” Murphy said.
Russell argued her experience overseeing the clerk’s office sets her apart, pointing to budget decisions and operational changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a clerk I’ve actually had to pass a budget. I’ve had to make changes even during COVID. I’ve had to deal with increasing wages... so nobody in this race has had to deal with that,” Russell said. “I may not have big donations but I have the heart of the people and people are the ones who vote not companies.”
Uribe said she’s prepared to take office immediately and signaled she’s focused on the role for the long term.
“I’m ready on day one. I don’t have any desire to move on politically,” Uribe said.
Candidate Chris Messina was not present Wednesday night. The Orange County mayoral primary election is Aug. 18.
Also Wednesday, there was a mock election hosted by the Pine Hills Community Council. When it comes to the Orange County Mayoral Race the results are as follows-
Chris Messina- 11 votes
Tiffany Moore Russell- 213
Stephanie Murphy- 45
Mayra Uribe- 44