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Regina Hill’s Re-Election Campaign Amidst Legal Troubles

Orlando City Hall, symbolizing the political landscape where candidates campaign.

News Summary

Orlando City Commissioner Regina Hill faces a criminal investigation while campaigning for re-election. Accused of exploiting a 97-year-old friend, Hill allegedly misappropriated over $100,000. Despite her suspension and impending trial, she continues her campaign for the District 5 seat, raising questions about public service amid legal scrutiny. Hill maintains her innocence and seeks re-instatement to her residence as legal proceedings unfold.

Orlando – Regina Hill, the suspended Orlando City Commissioner, is attempting to secure re-election while facing a criminal investigation and an impending trial. Her situation involves allegations of exploiting a long-time friend and co-owner of her residence, a 97-year-old woman, from whom Hill is accused of misappropriating over $100,000. This amount was allegedly taken from the woman’s accounts using her power of attorney for personal expenses, including luxury purchases.

A virtual court hearing was held on June 17, 2025, attended by Hill and her attorney, as they seek resolution in a civil case that could allow her to return to the home they shared. Hill was previously banned from the property prior to her arrest on charges of criminal exploitation. Despite being barred from the location, her legal representatives argue for her reinstatement, indicating that Hill is still responsible for covering the expenses associated with the property while the elderly co-owner resides in a nursing home in Tampa.

Hill’s re-election campaign is ongoing despite her suspension and the looming possibility of her trial, which could begin as early as this fall. The judge who ordered her to stay away from the property previously emphasized the need for Hill’s compliance with the directive. Her attorneys have expressed optimism about finding a resolution to their civil case, suggesting that they may require additional time for negotiations.

Following her arrest, Florida’s Governor Ron DeSantis suspended Hill from her duties, which included multiple counts against her regarding elderly exploitation and mortgage fraud. These developments took place after a thorough investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, which lasted 13 months. Despite the serious nature of the charges and her suspension, Hill continues to campaign for the District 5 seat she currently holds on the Orlando City Council. She attributes this decision to encouragement from community members who still support her.

Hill has maintained her innocence regarding the allegations but has refrained from discussing the specific charges, citing the ongoing investigation as the reason. She indicated that if found not guilty in the upcoming trial, she might be allowed to return to office and complete her term. The trial is currently anticipated to take place in May 2025, presenting a critical juncture for Hill’s political career.

Orlando’s next city elections are scheduled for November 4, 2025, when multiple City Council seats, including District 5, will be contested. Hill’s candidacy raises questions about the intersection of legal challenges and public service, as voters must decide whether to support a candidate under such serious scrutiny. The circumstances surrounding her situation bring attention to the responsibilities of public officials and the potential implications of their actions on the communities they serve.

As the legal proceedings unfold and the election date approaches, the residents of Orlando will be watching closely to see how Hill’s case impacts her campaign and the larger context of local governance.