Early returns from this year’s election show a Democratic tide continuing to sweep Orange County, similar to results from 2008. From the top of the ticket all the way down, Democratic candidates are taking victories across the county. Overall, turnout looks slightly less than 2008 vote totals for Democrats in Orange County, with 209 of 227 precincts reporting. However, it was a solid night for Democratic victories in Orange County.
In the countywide races, there were big wins for local Democrats. Rick Singh is hanging on to become Orange County’s new Property Appraiser. Singh knocks off Bill Donegan having run a very aggressive campaign against the longtime incumbent. Scott Randolph will become the new Tax Collector as the replacement nominee for Earl K Wood, edging out Republican Jim Huckeba. And Sheriff Jerry Demings won re-election over foe John Tegg. Supervisor of Elections Bill Cowles won more than two-thirds of the votes for his re-election as well.
In the legislative races, Rep. Darren Soto overwhelmingly was elected to the State Senate and Rep. Geraldine Thompson will join in the Senate chamber. In two big state house districts, Linda Stewart will return to the House and she will bring her Democratic friend, Joe Saunders who was elected in the newly created district near UCF. Randolph Bracy won his election with nearly 70% of the vote.
Local Democrats were out in force at polling stations all day. They distributed Democratic voting guides, provided water or snacks if needed, and collected petitions for a citizen initiative to make County election partisan, starting in 2014 if passed. Election results tonight show why that could yield more promise for Democrats moving forward in Orange County politics.
For full results, check the Orange County Election Results by the Supervisor of Elections.
