An Orange County candidate’s election lawsuit transferred to Leon County.
Randy Ross told West Orlando News that this entire situation should never have gotten to this point and he is blaming Orange County Supervisor of Election Karen Castor Dentel. “It’s clear the Orange County Supervisor of Elections made a flawed assumption on the law and didn’t seek the necessary guidance from legal council or the Secretary of State,” Ross said.
Read more about the entire Orange County District 3 election 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
Candidate Files Emergency Lawsuit for Orange County Commissioner Election
Just moments before a recent local scheduled hearing, Randy Ross said he learned the state filed a motion to transfer his election lawsuit to Leon County. Ross, who is running for Orange County Commissioner in District 3, now concedes the election to fill this seat will clearly not make the August 18th ballot, but he hopes to be on the ballot in November with a runoff in December, although that is not guaranteed.
“While I expected to argue the merits of this case in Orange County, the venue was transferred, preserving my existing case and allowing us to move forward without having to start over,” candidate Randy Ross stated.
Ross also questioned why the state waited until so close to the local hearing, as the state had more than 30 days notice that this case was set for hearing in Orange County before seeking a change of venue.
“Many residents have also asked what happens if we prevail,” Randy Ross stated. “Most likely, Orange County District 3 voters would receive a second ballot in a special election, an unnecessary expense that, in my view, could have been avoided had Florida’s resign-to-run laws been properly followed from the beginning.”
Ross insists that his lawsuit has never been about politics. He says it has always been about protecting the right of Orange County District 3 residents to elect their Commissioner in 2026 and ensuring the law is applied equally to everyone.
“The fight continues. Now it’s on to Leon County,” Ross said.
