News Summary
Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy has officially declared her candidacy for Orange County mayor, emphasizing key priorities such as housing affordability, job creation, and transportation improvements. During her announcement on FOX 35’s Good Day Orlando, she highlighted her congressional experience and commitment to addressing the needs of the community. Murphy is one of four candidates in the race, aiming to make Orlando a more livable and affordable city for its residents.
Orlando, Florida – Former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy has officially launched her campaign for Orange County mayor, announcing her candidacy during an interview on FOX 35’s Good Day Orlando on Wednesday. Murphy, a Democrat, previously served as the U.S. representative for Florida’s seventh congressional district from 2017 until 2023.
Murphy, who made history as the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress in 2016, brings significant experience to her new political endeavor. During her tenure in Congress, she held important roles on the Ways and Means Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, the Small Business Committee, and the Select Committee investigating the January 6th Capitol attack. She opted not to seek re-election to her House seat in late 2021, choosing instead to focus on family and local community matters, especially as a mother of two children aged 14 and 11.
With Orlando experiencing considerable growth, Murphy aims to transform the city into one of the most livable, safe, and affordable communities in the region. She outlined several key priorities for her campaign that include:
- Housing Affordability and Availability: Murphy advocates for increased housing units and regulatory reforms to address the ongoing housing crisis.
- Well-Paying Jobs: She emphasizes that anyone working a full-time job should earn a wage that allows them to live comfortably and afford basic necessities.
- Transportation Improvements: Investments in roads, bridges, and rail infrastructures are a focus, aiming to improve mobility throughout the county.
Murphy is one of four declared candidates competing in the mayoral race. The other contenders include Tiffany Moore Russell, the Orange County Clerk of Courts; Mayra Uribe, an Orange County Commissioner; and Chris Messina, a tech entrepreneur. The current mayor, Jerry Demings, is term-limited and will vacate his position after the upcoming 2026 election.
Potential candidates have until June 12, 2026, to file their intent to run for mayor. While there was speculation regarding former Congresswoman Val Demings entering the race for her husband’s position, she has since confirmed that she will not be a candidate.
Murphy intends to tackle the affordability crisis affecting many residents and believes that strong city leadership is crucial for navigating the challenges posed by the current federal and state political climates. Her background as a national security specialist at the U.S. Department of Defense and as a business professor at Rollins College further bolster her qualifications for public office.
Given her congressional experience and established reputation within the Democratic Party, experts consider Murphy a strong candidate for the mayorship. Her previous work and commitment to community issues resonate with voters looking for solutions to Orlando’s economic challenges.
As the election date approaches, Murphy plans to engage with residents and stakeholders throughout Orange County, aiming to build a campaign that reflects the needs and aspirations of the community she seeks to serve.
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Additional Resources
- Roll Call: Stephanie Murphy for Orange County Mayor
- Google Search: Stephanie Murphy Orange County Mayor
- Orlando Sentinel: Stephanie Murphy Declares Candidacy
- Wikipedia: Stephanie Murphy (politician)
- FOX 35 Orlando: Stephanie Murphy Announces Run
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Orange County Florida
- MyNews13: Stephanie Murphy in Mayoral Race
- WFTV: Stephanie Murphy Announces Run for Mayor
- Google Search: Orange County Mayoral Election 2026
- Florida Politics: Stephanie Murphy Running for Mayor
