As part of our commitment to providing you with what you need to make an informed decision in the 2026 elections, News 6 joined with the News Collaborative of Central Florida to present the Voting Central Florida 2026 Voter’s Guide.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 is the Florida Statewide Primary election, a mix of party primaries and nonpartisan local elections, such as school board races, judicial races, and county commission races in some counties.
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[ELECTION 2026: Make sure you’re eligible to vote|How to vote by mail|Election Myths]
Florida has a closed primary system, which means only members of a political party may vote in party primaries. To be eligible, a voter had to identify with that party by July 20.
However, judicial races and local races, for the most part, are open to all registered voters, regardless of political party.
Everything you need to know in order to vote in the Aug. 18 Statewide Primary, including how to vote by mail, vote early, and vote on Election Day, can be found in our Election 2026 section HERE.
Orange County Commission District 4
Orange County’s commissioners are elected in nonpartisan races, which means all voters can vote in the election, regardless of party affiliation.
Since there are three candidates in the race, the top vote-getter must get more than 50% of the vote (50%+1) in order to win outright. Otherwise, the top two candidates will go to a runoff in November.
The county added two new commission seats for the 2026 election, which means the districts the commissioners represent have changed.
County Commission District 4 encompasses part of east Central Orange County, including the areas of Waterford Lakes and Union Park. You can see a map of the area HERE.
The News Collaborative of Central Florida created a list of common questions to ask the candidates. Questionnaires were sent to all candidates.
Not all of the candidates responded. Where candidates did not respond, we have filled out the information to the best of our abilities.
Our partners at the Orlando Sentinel compiled the candidate responses for the Commission District 4 race, emailing and calling the candidates over several weeks.
You can see the full Orlando Sentinel Voting Guide HERE.
Isabella Arthur
NOTE: Isabella Arthur is a write-in candidate, which means her name will not appear on the ballot. Voters will need to write her name in correctly to cast a vote for her.
WEBSITE: linktr.ee/HearMeRoarHoloNet
Top issues in your race
If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:
YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Infrastructure before expansion. Orange County keeps approving growth before roads, drainage, utilities, sidewalks, fire rescue, schools, and public safety are ready. That is why residents sit in traffic, pay tolls, and watch basic services fall behind. I would push for a repair-first policy: inspect and fix existing roads before approving major expansions, require public damage and maintenance reports, and hold CFX accountable (the funds are there) for toll-road construction, maintenance, and operations. Developers, including out-of-state developers and construction companies, must pay the real cost of the infrastructure their projects create. Growth should not be approved first and paid for by residents later.
YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Affordability and housing. Orange County cannot keep promising affordable housing while families are still priced out and homelessness grows. I support using county land for truly affordable housing, faster permits for real affordable units, stronger long-term affordability rules, ADUs and small homes, and mixed-income housing near jobs and transit. I also support Housing First with job training, childcare, mental health support, and real paths to work. Every nonprofit, developer, or contractor receiving public money should report cost per unit, who was helped, wages paid, and long-term results. No more blank checks with no accountability.
YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: Water, land, and public accountability. District 4 is facing development pressure around wetlands, rural land, wildlife corridors, roads, utilities, and old dump sites. I oppose phosphogypsum roads, taxpayer-funded data center corridors, and “smart city” projects that benefit corporations while residents carry the risk. In areas like Lake Underhill and Rouse Road, testing, cleanup, safe capping or removal, and public monitoring must come before road or utility expansion. I would require stronger stormwater rules, public water testing dashboards, septic-to-sewer upgrades where needed, and coordination with DEP, EPA, water districts, FDOT, and CFX before risky projects move forward.
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? I am not running to protect the system. I am running because I have lived the consequences of systems that are confusing, expensive, slow, and built to protect insiders instead of people.
My background is in real estate, construction, permitting, law, research, child advocacy, and community problem-solving. I know how to read records, connect facts, ask hard questions, and explain complicated issues in plain language. As a citizen and candidate, I have researched county agendas, land use, transportation, utilities, CFX, state preemption, water issues, and development patterns affecting District 4.
I will not pretend to know everything. I will learn, listen, verify, and fit the issues residents actually want. Orange County needs commissioners who make government understandable again.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Affordability is not just a housing issue. It is rent, wages, tolls, utilities, insurance, childcare, food, and transportation all hitting families at once. In Orange County, the 2024 median gross rent was $1,882 a month. That means a household needs about $75,000 a year just for rent to be considered affordable.
My solution is to lower the full cost of living. Public money should come with public results. Any developer, nonprofit, employer, or contractor receiving county money, land, tax breaks, fee credits, or incentives should report what was promised, what was delivered, cost per unit or job, wages paid, and how long affordability is protected.
Orange County collected a record $384.6 million in Tourist Development Tax in FY 2024-25, yet residents are told basic needs are unaffordable. If tourism depends on our roads, workers, utilities, public safety, and emergency services, then tourism dollars and major tourism employers should help solve the pressure they create.
The goal is simple: stop making working people pay twice while insiders profit once.
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? No - While I support property tax relief. I do not support fake relief that helps on paper, then comes back as higher fees, worse services, or higher rent.
Renters are the problem with this amendment. They do not get the homestead break directly, and landlords are not required to lower rent. But renters still use fire rescue, roads, drainage, parks, libraries, and public safety.
My alternative is targeted relief without wrecking local services: claw back bad subsidies; make developers pay full impact costs; review tourism spending; and stop using residents to cover growth’s unpaid bills.
Tax relief should lower the burden, not move it onto people already struggling.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? I do not support bringing data centers into Orange County.
Florida’s average electric price rose from 10.06 cents/kWh in 2020 to 12.53 cents/kWh in 2024, about a 25% increase. At the same time, the IEA projects data-center electricity use will more than double by 2030, with U.S. data centers making up nearly half of new electricity-demand growth.
If they are forced on us anyway, then not one penny should be shifted to families, seniors, small businesses, or local employers. Data centers must pay the full cost of new power, transmission, substations, water, backup generation, emergency services, and grid upgrades. No subsidies. No hidden rate hikes. No corporate expansion on residents’ electric bills.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Florida’s biggest environmental issue is unchecked corporate profit being placed above land, water, wildlife, and human health. We keep watching the same cycle: developers, utilities, mining interests, toll authorities, and politically connected companies create the damage, then residents pay to clean it up, live with the flooding, breathe the dust, drink the water, sit in traffic, and get told it is “growth.”
That ends with accountability. No phosphogypsum roads. No toxic land deals. No risky data centers draining power and water. No public subsidies for private damage. Florida needs leaders who will protect residents first, not industries that fund campaigns and leave taxpayers holding the bill.
Brian Jones
WEBSITE: brianhubertjones.com/
Top issues in your race
If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? In the boxes below, please list each issue and how you will address them:
YOUR NUMBER 1 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: GOVERNANCE, TRANSPARENCY & COMMUNICATION. I will establish a District 4 Advisory Network comprised of HOA and community association leaders, small business owners, school representatives, nonprofit organizations, and public safety partners. This group will meet regularly to identify emerging issues, discuss community concerns, and provide feedback on county initiatives before decisions are made.
In addition, I will host quarterly District 4 Town Halls throughout the district to provide updates on county projects, budget priorities, transportation improvements, public safety initiatives, and other issues impacting residents.
My goal is to create a culture of proactive engagement and communication with stakeholders across District 4. Too often, residents feel disconnected from the decision-making process or learn about projects after key decisions have already been made. By providing consistent updates, soliciting feedback early, and maintaining open lines of communication, we can reduce confusion, build trust, and strengthen the relationship between residents and the Board of County Commissioners.
YOUR NUMBER 2 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: PUBLIC SAFETY. As County Commissioner, I will support initiatives that focus on crime prevention, safer roads, micromobility safety, stronger partnerships with law enforcement, and proactive communication that keeps residents informed and engaged.
I will work to ensure the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has the resources necessary to recruit and retain qualified deputies, support data-driven policing efforts in areas experiencing higher crime activity, and strengthen collaboration between law enforcement, HOAs, businesses, schools, and community organizations.
I will advocate for a renewed focus on community-based crime prevention by restructuring and modernizing the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Program and empowering neighborhood and community safety networks throughout District 4. By fostering stronger relationships between residents and law enforcement, we can improve communication, increase community awareness, and proactively address public safety concerns before they become larger issues.
Public safety extends beyond crime alone. I will also support initiatives that improve pedestrian, bicycle, and e-scooter safety (including law/enforcement), enhance dangerous intersections, and invest in infrastructure that protects residents, students, and visitors. Through prevention, partnership, and accountability, we can create safer neighborhoods and a stronger Orange County for everyone.
YOUR NUMBER 3 ISSUE and how you plan to address it: WELL BEING FOR ALL. Ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, and thriving community. This includes supporting programs and initiatives that address mental health, affordability, homelessness, resource awareness, and responsible government stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
As County Commissioner, I will promote collaborative and proactive partnerships among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, educational institutions, businesses, and community leaders to address the challenges facing our residents. By working together, we can improve access to services, increase awareness of available resources, and develop sustainable solutions that enhance quality of life throughout Orange County.
I believe government has a responsibility to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars while investing in programs that deliver measurable outcomes and meaningful community impact. Through accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement, we can ensure that county resources are used effectively and efficiently to serve those who need them most.
My commitment is to foster a community where residents are supported, informed, and empowered—creating opportunities for individuals and families to succeed while building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient Orange County for all.
FOR CHALLENGERS AND OPEN SEATS: Why do you deserve to be elected in this race? Unlike many candidates who seek office as their first step into public service, my candidacy is the continuation of years of community involvement and leadership. I have dedicated countless hours to serving East Orange County through nonprofit organizations, community associations, civic initiatives, and advisory boards because I believe strong communities are built through engagement and collaboration.
I am running because I have the experience, passion, and commitment necessary to address the challenges facing District 4 and Orange County. My focus is on practical solutions, transparent government, safer communities, and ensuring that residents have a voice in the decisions that shape their future.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Local government cannot solve inflation, but it can make decisions that improve affordability. As Commissioner, I will focus on fiscal responsibility, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently and core services remain the priority. I support expanding housing options at various price points, particularly for workforce housing, while protecting existing neighborhoods. I will also champion economic development, small business growth, and workforce partnerships that create higher-paying jobs. By promoting responsible growth, improving transportation infrastructure, and maintaining strong financial stewardship, we can help reduce the cost pressures facing Orange County families and improve quality of life throughout our community.
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? I will vote “Yes”. If approved, my preference would be to first identify efficiencies, eliminate waste, and prioritize core government functions before considering new fees. Any discussion about replacing revenue should focus on responsible budgeting, economic growth that expands the tax base, and ensuring government lives within its means. I would be reluctant to support shifting the burden to residents through excessive new fees that simply replace one tax with another.
The goal should be to provide relief to taxpayers while maintaining the essential services that contribute to public safety, quality of life, and economic prosperity in Orange County.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Florida’s utility regulators should focus on affordability, reliability, and transparency. As demand grows from population increases and data centers, residential customers should not bear an unfair share of the costs associated with serving large industrial users. Regulators should require transparent rate-setting, ensure major energy consumers contribute appropriately to infrastructure investments, and support long-term planning that strengthens grid reliability and affordability.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Water quality is the most significant environmental issue facing Florida. Clean water impacts public health, wildlife, recreation, tourism, and economic development. From nutrient pollution and stormwater runoff to aging infrastructure and increased development pressures, protecting our waterways requires proactive investment and planning. As Commissioner, I would support responsible growth, infrastructure improvements, conservation efforts, and policies that protect our lakes, wetlands, and water resources while maintaining a strong economy and high quality of life.
Johanna López
WEBSITE: www.votejohannalopez.com/
Ms. López did not respond to requests to fill out the questionnaire from the Orlando Sentinel.
If elected, what are the THREE most pressing problems you want to address, and what do you suggest to solve them? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire, but on her campaign website, she listed her three top issues as: housing accessibility, supporting small business, and accessibility and transparency.
According to a University of North Florida poll, Floridians say affordability is their top issue. What are your solutions for dealing with Florida’s affordability issue? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire, but on her campaign website, she called housing accessibility a top issue for her, particularly “Expanding safe, affordable housing for working families and seniors.”
Will you vote YES or NO on the constitutional amendment to slash property taxes and explain your position. How would you replace lost revenue – fees and/or service reductions? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire. She voted against passage of the property tax constitutional amendment while serving in the Florida House.
Utility costs are rising for customers in Florida, and the proliferation of data centers is expected to exacerbate that issue. How should Florida’s utility regulators respond? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire. She voted in favor of SB 484, which added regulations to data centers, while serving in the Florida House.
What do you think is the biggest environmental issue your government should address in Florida? Ms. López did not respond to the questionnaire.