Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez
By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Apopka Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez is ready to make history - again.
Velazquez confirmed she will run for a full third term on the City Commission—Seat #2. On Wednesday, The Apopka Voice texted all four city commissioners and an Apopka resident, Marsha Summersill, inquiring if they would run for mayor, city commission, or the Orange County Commission (Seat 2) in 2026.
This will be her seventh appearance on an Apopka ballot in the last 12 years, including general elections and runoffs. Velazquez was first elected in 2014, lost her seat in 2018, won a special election in 2020 to regain Seat 2, and then won a full term in 2022. She has received the most votes of any member on the Apopka City Council.
If she defends Seat #2 successfully, she could be the first three-term commissioner to sit on the Apopka City Council since Billie Dean served six terms and retired in 2018 as vice mayor. Seat #1 Commissioner Alexander Smith could also become a three-term commissioner if he decides to run and wins the 2026 election.
Earlier this week, Mayor Bryan Nelson announced he would run for a third term as Apopka Mayor. He will face Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, who announced in April.
Velazquez released the following statement on Thursday night to The Apopka Voice:
"Now that Orange County Christine Moore has filed to run for Mayor, and Incumbent Mayor Nelson has filed and announced his intent to run for re-election, it is expected to ask what about the current Commissioners, also up for re-election?
I have been asked if I have an interest or intent to file to run for Mayor or Orange County Commissioner.
My response: I do not intend to file to run for Mayor or the Orange County Commission seat that Commissioner Moore will vacate. This leaves the one race I will file to campaign once again for the office I currently hold and serve with Integrity, pride, and honor.
I want to continue to serve the City where I am the most invested and love, the City of Apopka, my forever home. I have advocated the importance of being part of the process. My mantra continues to be “Your Vote is Yours" to encourage our residents to engage in the Voting Process so they can be part of the decision-making of our growing city.
Yes, we still have much more work to do. When I reflect on my first term in office, now in retrospect, I realize the challenges I faced and how much has changed for the better. When I look at the number of Voters showing up to the polls, the numbers are significant when you see the numbers before 2014 to present. Our commission meetings are proof of the participation of residents. The consistency of residents attending the public commission meetings and/or tuning in via YouTube.
”Your Voice Matters in the Process of Local Governing.” It is important to be engaged with the public, to be accessible to the public, and to support and volunteer for community organizations and many events. Most importantly, to earn the trust and support of the residents. To be consistent in truthfulness, in transparency & integrity. Be authentic. My priority is the importance of our council giving their full attention to the current critical issues the city is facing and finding solutions to resolve those vital issues our residents are asking for. There is enough time to start campaigning for re-election."
The next Apopka City Council meeting is May 21st in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
Election Day in Apopka is scheduled for March 2026.
