Orange County Supervisor of Elections ‘Uncertain How to Proceed’

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office said it was “uncertain how to proceed” on an important election decision.




Orange County District 3 Commissioner Mayra Uribe submitted her resign-to-run resignation letter as she prepares to qualify as a candidate for Mayor, but that decision made the Supervisor of Elections office admit it does not know what to do.

The resignation letter was received by Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel’s office on May 27, 2026, with an effective date of December 7, 2026. Commissioner Uribe included a request that the office she will vacate be filled by way of election, as the Orange County charter intends to fill the vacancy.

That could be accomplished by scheduling a special election for Orange County District 3 Commissioner for the upcoming August 18th Election Day, with the ultimate winner taking office December 8th. There are already seven candidates running for District 3 Commissioner, as Uribe has been running for Mayor.

However, Democratic Supervisor of Elections Karen Castor Dentel is not sure how to proceed and instead admitted it is seeking guidance from the Republican Governor’s Secretary of State.

“Our office is aware that, prior to the 2021 amendment to Section 99.012, Florida Statutes, the relevant authorities uniformly interpreted vacancies under Section 100.111, Florida Statutes, as requiring an election when the resignation letter was received 28 months or more from the expiration of vacancy. Our office is also aware, however, that at least one court has interpreted the post-amendment statute based instead on the effective date stated in the resignation letter. As a result, we are uncertain how to proceed and have asked the Secretary of State for guidance,” stated Dan Helm, Candidate Services Administrator for the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, in an email to District 3 candidates.

“If the Governor’s office or Secretary of State provides direction that an election is to be held, we will promptly notice the race for the purposes of qualifying beginning June 8, 2026, for this year’s primary and general elections. We appreciate your patience as we seek guidance from the Secretary of State.”

It is interesting that in Democratic Orange County, the Democrat in charge of local elections is seeking guidance from Republicans in Governor Ron DeSantis’ administration, at the same time Democrats attack everything DeSantis does.

It is even more interesting that the Supervisor of Elections would admit in writing that the office is “uncertain how to proceed” and it may lead many in the community to question the SOE in the future. The Orange County SOE should have been more prepared for this scenario, knowing the Commissioner’s campaign for Mayor and the numerous candidates running for the District 3 seat already.

The Orange County Supervisor of Elections office explained the justification of the decision to reach out to the state.

“Supervisor Castor Dentel does not have the legal authority to call or schedule a special election in this circumstance,” the SOE office stated to West Orlando News. “While the Orange County Charter does contain provisions outlining methods for filling vacancies, legislative changes adopted by the Florida Legislature in 2021 revised prior provisions related to vacancies and special elections, including matters involving charter counties. As a result, those local charter provisions are currently preempted by state law and are not enforceable. Therefore, the ability to call for a special election or make an appointment for the remainder of the term is the responsibility of the Governor.”

“Supervisor Castor Dentel remains committed to ensuring voters have their voices heard and that elections are administered transparently and in accordance with the law. However, the factors surrounding this circumstance are governed by state law and are outside the authority of the Supervisor of Elections Office.”

It should be expected that the best way to fill a County Commissioner seat is to hold an election and let people vote for their representation, and with the upcoming elections in August there should be no question on how to proceed. The people of District 3 in Orange County deserve to vote for their Commissioner.

One candidate who has been actively running for District 3 Commissioner reacted to the email from Dan Helm. He expects the election to be held in 2026.

“As ONLY candidate for Orange County Commission – District 3 (nonpartisan) who stepped forward early to recognize and acknowledge what the law clearly states, today’s email from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections sent to all candidates, represents a major victory in helping ensure this race occurs in 2026,” candidate Randy Ross. “Exactly as originally explained by the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, likely under the guidance and interpretation of the Florida Secretary of State. I appreciate everyone at every level of government who took the time to review, clarify, and help guide this process forward. I especially want to thank my personal advisors. Transparency, consistency, and confidence in our election laws matter. Now, let’s hope the process continues exactly as the law suggests.”

Another candidate currently running in District 3 is not ruling out a special election being called, but she does not believe it will happen in August. Former State Senator and Commissioner Linda Stewart said she does not think the election will be August 18th, but that it is possible one could be called at another later time, possibly in November even. She argued Governor DeSantis is in no rush to respond or make a decision though. No matter what happens, Linda Stewart is continuing her campaign for Orange County Commissioner in District 3.

RELATED: Orange County Commissioner Decides on Resignation Despite Pressure

Commissioner Mayra Uribe also explained to West Orlando News why this was the best decision, despite pressure from special interests.

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Orange County Clerk Resigns, Special Election Set

Supervisor of Elections Clarifies Resign-to-Run Timelines in Orange County