A candidate filed an emergency lawsuit for an Orange County Commissioner election to protect voters’ rights in District 3.
Randy Ross, candidate for Orange County Commission District 3, announced the filing of an Emergency Verified Complaint in the Circuit Court of the Ninth Judicial Circuit seeking immediate judicial intervention to place the Orange County Commission District 3 race on the August 18, 2026 ballot. While that may be unlikely due to timing, he is pushing for an election to happen this year to protect voters’ rights to elect their commissioner.
The lawsuit names Orange County Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd, and Republican Governor Ron DeSantis in their official capacities.
“This lawsuit is not about me. It is about the voters of District 3,” Randy Ross said. “The people deserve the right to choose who represents them on the Orange County Commission. Elections belong to voters, not government agencies, political insiders, or bureaucratic interpretations that deny citizens their voice at the ballot box.”
At issue is the application of Florida’s Resign-to-Run Law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s candidacy for Orange County Mayor. Ross contends that Florida law requires District 3 voters to have the opportunity to elect their next Commissioner during the 2026 election cycle rather than leaving the seat to be filled through gubernatorial appointment. Read more about the entire situation here:
Orange County Commissioner Decides on Resignation Despite Pressure
Orange County Supervisor of Elections ‘Uncertain How to Proceed’
Supervisor of Elections Clarifies Resign-to-Run Timelines in Orange County
Ross stated that he pursued legal action only after repeated efforts to obtain clarity from election officials failed to produce a timely resolution as election deadlines rapidly approached.
“I would have preferred that state and local election officials take the necessary steps to ensure compliance with Florida law and place this race before the voters on August 18,” Ross continued. “Unfortunately, the courts have now become the only avenue available to protect the rights of District 3 residents.”
The complaint seeks expedited consideration due to the time-sensitive nature of election administration and asks the court to provide immediate relief to preserve voters’ ability to participate in the selection of their next County Commissioner.
Ross emphasized that the case extends beyond a single race and touches on the fundamental principle that election laws must be applied consistently and transparently.
“I owe it to every volunteer who knocked on doors, every donor who contributed, every voter who signed a petition, and every resident who expects fair and lawful elections to stand up and fight,” Randy Ross said. “If the law says the people should vote, then the people should vote. It’s that simple.”
The lawsuit requests declaratory relief, temporary injunctive relief, and alternative mandamus relief to ensure that the Orange County Commission District 3 election proceeds during the 2026 election cycle.
In an update after he filed the lawsuit, Ross said the response has been overwhelming, and that he did not take this action lightly. “This effort is bigger than any one candidate. It is about preserving a principle that should never be negotiable in a representative democracy: The people choose their leaders. Leaders do not choose their voters,” he said.
Governor DeSantis’ office did not respond to West Orlando News when asked about how the District 3 commissioner seat would be handled. The lawsuit is progressing, but no word yet for District 3 voters on if or when they will get to vote for their next Orange County Commissioner.
