From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The first campaign finance reports for the 2026 Apopka City Commission races show uneven early fundraising across Seats 1, 2, and 4. Fourth-quarter filings covering October through December reveal that some candidates relied on personal loans or early donor support, while others focused primarily on qualifying for the ballot. With less than a month of fundraising activity reflected in the reports, the filings provide an early snapshot rather than a definitive measure of campaign strength.
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Seven candidates jumped into the 2026 Apopka City Commission races in December, and now, the first look at their finances is coming into view. And although all of them have had less than a month to build their campaign war chests, some interesting patterns have already emerged.
Related: Fundraising race in Apopka mayoral election begins to take shape.
Fourth-quarter reports, covering October 1 through December 31, 2025, show a wide variation in fundraising activity across Seats 1, 2, and 4, with some candidates self-funding or loaning their campaigns money, while others reported modest donor support or no activity at all.
Seat #1 - Commissioner Alexander Smith vs. Sam Ruth
In the Seat 1 race, Sam Ruth reported $2,500 in total monetary contributions during the fourth quarter, including $1,000 in cash and checks and a $1,500 loan to his campaign. Ruth spent $1,938.55 during the reporting period, largely on qualifying fees and campaign materials, leaving his campaign with early infrastructure in place.
Ruth’s fundraising included four contributions from four individuals, none from businesses, three of whom are from Apopka. The donations ranged from $100 to $500.
Smith, a two-time incumbent, reported $760 in cash and check contributions during the quarter and $696 in expenditures, nearly matching his fundraising with early campaign costs, including qualifying fees. Smith did not report any loans or in-kind contributions during the period.
Seat 2: Commissioner Diane Velazquez vs. Angela Turner, and George Smith
In the Seat 2 contest, Commissioner Diane Velazquez reported $7,000 in total monetary contributions. That total included $2,000 in cash and checks from one business and one individual, both from Apopka, and $5,000 in loans to her campaign. Velazquez also reported $250 in in-kind contributions and spent $721.16 during the quarter, primarily on qualifying fees and campaign signage.
Angela Turner, who is also running for Seat 2, reported $700 in cash and check contributions during the fourth quarter and $696 in expenditures. Her spending was largely tied to qualifying fees, indicating a campaign focused on securing ballot access rather than early voter outreach.
George Smith, another Seat 2 candidate, filed a waiver of report, indicating no fundraising or expenditures during the fourth quarter. Under Florida law, candidates may file a waiver when there is no financial activity during the reporting period.
Seat 4: Yesenia Baron vs. Malika Harrison
In the Seat 4 race, Yesenia Baron reported $8,275 in total monetary contributions during the fourth quarter, including $4,075 in cash and checks and a $4,200 loan to her campaign. Baron spent $1,388.52 during the period on qualifying fees, website development, and transaction costs, leaving her campaign with a sizable early balance heading into 2026.
Baron's fundraising included 19 contributions from 19 individuals, none from businesses, six of whom are from Apopka. The donations ranged from $25 to $1,000. Two donors gave Barone the maximum $1,000 donation.
According to Susan Bone, the Apopka City Clerk, Malika Harrison did not file a report for the fourth quarter and therefore faces fines until the report is filed.
Election Day in Apopka is March 10th.
Key Points:
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Seven candidates filed fourth-quarter campaign finance reports after entering the races in December.
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In Seat 1, Sam Ruth outpaced incumbent Alexander Smith in total funds raised, though Smith kept spending nearly even with contributions.
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Commissioner Diane Velazquez reported the strongest fundraising in Seat 2, including a significant loan to her campaign.
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Yesenia Baron led Seat 4 fundraising with a mix of individual donations and a campaign loan, while Malika Harrison failed to file a report and faces fines.
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Several candidates focused early spending on qualifying fees rather than voter outreach.
