From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The special election to fill Apopka City Commission Seat #4 is underway, with two candidates qualifying ahead of the January 7 deadline. Yesenia Baron, a retired FDLE special agent and former small-business owner, and Malika Harrison, president and CEO of MENTOR Florida, also qualified, bringing backgrounds in nonprofit leadership, youth development, and community engagement.
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The race to fill Apopka’s open City Commission seat is officially underway, with two candidates qualifying for Seat #4 ahead of the March special election.
Related: Nelson, Nesta, and Moore qualify for Apopka mayoral ballot.
Yesenia Baron, a community advocate, retired law enforcement officer, and former small business owner, qualified this week and announced a slate of early endorsements from local and regional leaders.
Baron moved to Apopka in 2012 with her husband and later opened a small business in the city. She previously served for more than a decade as a special agent with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, investigating crimes against children and missing persons. Her campaign platform emphasizes responsible growth, downtown revitalization, support for local businesses, public safety, and building stronger neighborhoods.
“I’m running for Apopka City Council because I believe we can move our city forward with purpose,” Baron said in an emailed statement to The Apopka Voice.
Also qualifying for Seat #4 is Malika Harrison, who is the President and CEO of MENTOR Florida, the statewide affiliate of the national youth mentoring organization. Harrison brings extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and strategic partnerships, with a career focused on education, youth development, and civic involvement across Central Florida. Her background has centered on connecting young people and families with resources and opportunities through mentoring and community-based initiatives.
Seat #4 is being filled through a special election, after Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta vacated the seat to run for Apopka mayor. Voters will choose a successor to serve the remainder of the term vacated by Nesta.
The Apopka municipal election is scheduled for March 10, 2026, with a runoff election on April 14 if no candidate receives a majority of the vote.
Key Points:
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Seat #4 became vacant after Commissioner Nick Nesta resigned to run for Apopka mayor.
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Baron’s platform focuses on responsible growth, downtown revitalization, and public safety.
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Malika Harrison leads MENTOR Florida and has extensive experience in nonprofit and youth-focused initiatives.
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The nonpartisan special election will be held March 10, with a runoff on April 14 if needed.
