ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe submitted her resignation letter Tuesday but vowed to stay in office until December, despite growing calls for her to step down by the summer.
“My life is not based on politics,” Uribe told News 6 Tuesday. “My life is based on doing the right thing for my community and being there for them.”
Uribe faced a May 28 deadline to resign her position ahead of the start of the June qualifying period to run for Orange County mayor.
Progressives in Orange County had hoped that when Uribe did submit her resignation letter, she would choose a date no later than August 1, 2026.
“What’s happening right now in Orange County is extremely concerning,” said Genesis Reyes, on behalf of Immigrants Are Welcome Here (IAWH) Coalition. “We are deeply disappointed that Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s resignation will take effect after the deadline required to trigger a special election.”
Reyes and others who have circled August 1 on their calendar are concerned a resignation after that date would ensure Governor Ron DeSantis could hand pick Uribe’s replacement -- who would likely be a Republican.
In response to the criticism, Uribe pushed back.
“The law is so broad now that the governor could choose to appoint someone, he can call for a special election, or could leave the seat open,” Uribe said.
Before she announced her intention to run for Orange County mayor, Uribe was slated to serve out her term until 2028.
Florida Statute Section 114.04 gives the governor the power to appoint a replacement for a seat vacated with less than 28 months remaining in the term.
Democratic critics have argued that a resignation before August 1 would trigger a special election.
“That is not guaranteed,” Uribe argued. “That’s not what the law says. It is up to the governor and how he wants to receive it.”
Uribe is a registered Democrat, but she pointed out that her position as commissioner is non-partisan.
“But the Democratic Party and local groups have insisted on making this a very partisan issue,” Uribe said. “As opposed to what the basic of this seat is, which is about people.”
In her resignation letter, Uribe asked DeSantis to call for a special election to fill her seat. That prompted this exchange between Uribe and News 6’s Mike Valente:
Valente: “How much faith do you have in the governor possibly calling for a special election? Because as you know, many of your colleagues and many people in the Democratic Party are very skeptical of the governor’s intentions.”
Uribe: “Well, I have faith in the constitution and the state of Florida and the people of Florida.”
Valente: “If the governor chooses to bypass a special election and handpick a replacement, will you have any regrets about this decision?”
Uribe: “Well, that’s part of the law. You can’t have the law go to you when it’s perfect or when it’s not because then if you get a Democratic governor, does that mean it’s okay? The law is the law and you have to abide by it.”
Late Tuesday afternoon, another candidate for Orange County mayor announced that she would resign her position.
Tiffany Moore Russell said she would step down as Orange County Clerk of Courts by Aug. 31.
A press release announcing the decision stated the timing is “intentional and deliberate,” in order to create the opportunity for a special election.
“The people of Orange County deserve to choose their Clerk of Courts - not have one appointed for them,” said Russell. “Throughout my career, I have shown that I will always put the people of Orange County first. Voters deserve a mayor who will put their interest and needs ahead of their own, and today is about the residents, not me.”