From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Apopka voters decided three City Council races Tuesday night and sent the mayor’s contest to an April 14 runoff after no candidate received a majority of the vote. Sam Ruth won the open Seat 1 race, Diane Velazquez secured re-election in Seat 2, and Yesenia Baron captured Seat 4. The mayor’s race will continue between City Commissioner Nick Nesta and Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, who finished as the top two vote-getters.
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Apopka broke records yesterday, and its City Council will look very different as a result.
Over 8,100 voters reshaped the city’s political landscape Tuesday night, deciding three City Council races and sending the mayor’s contest to a runoff following the highest turnout in Apopka's mayoral election history.
Related: Nesta, Moore headed to runoff; Velazquez re-elected, Ruth, Baron claim seats 1 and 4.
City Commissioner Nick Nesta and Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore will face each other in an April 14 runoff after no candidate secured a majority of the vote in the three-way mayoral race. Incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson finished third and was eliminated. Meanwhile, voters elected Sam Ruth to City Council Seat 1, re-elected Diane Velazquez in Seat 2, and chose Yesenia Baron for Seat 4.
As the results became clear Tuesday night and Wednesday morning, candidates reflected on the outcome and the message they believed voters delivered.
Nesta, who finished first in the mayoral race and will now compete against Moore in the April 14 runoff, issued the following statement:
“We are excited by the support and turnout of the community. The vision of this campaign has always been putting residents' needs first, and it’s clear that is what residents want. We look forward to the residents coming back out on April 14th to vote for fresh ideas. Apopka is ready for new leadership, a new style of leadership, not career politicians and not someone who plays musical chairs with elected offices.”
Ruth, who won the open Seat 1 race, described the victory as a sign of changing expectations among many residents moving into the city.
“Last night’s win was bigger than one person or words can describe. It was a powerful sign that a new spirit is growing in Apopka, led by a younger generation of families moving here who want a community that represents all of Apopka, not just a select few voices tied to the past.
This moment shows that our city can stand with one foot in tradition and one foot in the future. The real opportunity now is bringing those worlds together, honoring where we came from while building a more inclusive, forward-looking community for everyone who calls Apopka home.
The work starts now, and I’m grateful to everyone who believes in a better future for our city. Thank you.”
Velazquez secured another term in Seat 2 after defeating challengers Angela Turner and George Smith. In a statement following the election, Velazquez thanked voters and addressed several issues raised by residents during the campaign.
“I would deeply like to thank the voters of Apopka for the dedication they displayed by casting their votes on election day, and for the continued confidence of electing me to serve and represent all Apopkans as your sitting Commissioner and Vice Mayor on the city commission. It’s an honor and a privilege to be part of the City of Apopka commission and its community.
During the campaign, many residents expressed concerns about infrastructure maintenance, sewer and water issues, especially the billing structure and population growth in Apopka. The growth issue has become a topic that residents need answers to and are looking for solutions that are manageable. I have and will continue to address these issues. As you know, I have always been, and always will be, available to our residents, businesspeople, and others associated with Apopka to help in any way possible.
A very important subject for me is that the residents of our city stay involved with all the commissioners and the newly elected mayor. If you need or have a concern, please contact one of the commissioners or the mayor. We are here to serve and represent the community's needs.
Also, people have asked for more civility and for the administration's commitment to working together for the betterment of Apopka. I agree and will do so.
I’m respectfully asking for your continued participation and to cast your vote for the candidate of your choice on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in the run-off election.
Again, I thank all those who took the time to vote and have their voices heard. It was a privilege to witness the election process.”
Turner also issued a statement following the election.
“While the outcome of the election was not what we hoped for, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have run and to connect with so many people in our community. Thank you to the voters who supported me, the volunteers who gave their time, and everyone who offered encouragement along the way. I am especially thankful to my family for their constant support, my husband Richard for always standing beside me, and my campaign manager, Layton Watts, for his dedication and hard work throughout this campaign.
Congratulations to Diane Velazquez on her victory. I did call and congratulate her this morning. She is a true class act, and I wish her and all of the winners the very best as they serve our community.
I thank God for this experience and for all that I have learned. My commitment to our community remains strong, and I look forward to continuing to be involved and serve in the future.”
Smith also reflected on the campaign and the opportunity to engage with residents across the city.
“Thank you!!! While the outcome of the election wasn’t what we hoped for, I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run and to connect with so many residents across Apopka. If you told me that I would run for office years ago, I would have said, ‘Wrong George Smith'. This campaign, however, was always about giving our community a voice and encouraging more people to get involved in the process.
I truly believe Apopka is strongest when its residents stay engaged, ask questions, and hold their leaders accountable. I’m proud of the conversations we started about responsible growth, public safety, and putting people over profits.
The RECORD turnout and election may be in the books, but my commitment to serving and supporting our community continues. Thank you to everyone who supported, volunteered, and believed in this effort. There’s no ‘I’ in Apopka, let’s stay focused and engaged, moving Apopka forward indeed. See you around town soon and God Bless!!!”
Baron defeated Malika Harrison to win Seat 4 and thanked voters for placing their trust in her campaign.
“First, I want to thank God for this opportunity to serve our city. I am deeply grateful to the people of Apopka for placing their trust in me. To every voter who believed in our campaign and cast a ballot, thank you. I promise to work every day to earn your trust and make you proud.
This campaign was never about one person. It was always about our community and the future of our city. We proved that when we come together with a shared vision for moving Apopka forward, we can achieve anything. Our city deserves thoughtful leadership and a fresh perspective. As Apopka continues to grow, we must plan responsibly, strengthen our infrastructure, support our local businesses, and build a downtown our residents can truly be proud of.
Now the real work begins. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the people of Apopka.”
Harrison also reflected on the campaign and the conversations she had with residents throughout the city.
“Public office is one of the most noble callings there is. During this campaign, I had the privilege of meeting thousands of residents who care deeply about Apopka. I heard your pride, your hopes, and your desires for Apopka — responsible growth, infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, transparency, rebuilding trust, and quality of life — a place where families thrive, businesses succeed, and neighbors care for one another.
These conversations reaffirmed that we all want the very best for our community and hold elected officials accountable. I want to thank everyone who voted and supported my vision for A Better, Brighter Apopka. I respect the outcome of the election and wish City Council success in the important work ahead, as I remain committed to contributing to the vitality of Apopka.”
With three council seats decided and the mayor’s race now headed to an April 14 runoff, Apopka voters will soon return to the polls to determine who will lead City Hall for the next term.
Key Points:
- Apopka’s mayoral race will be decided in an April 14 runoff between Nick Nesta and Christine Moore.
- Incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson finished third and was eliminated from the race.
- Voters elected Sam Ruth to City Council Seat 1.
- Diane Velazquez won re-election in City Council Seat 2.
- Yesenia Baron defeated Malika Harrison to claim City Council Seat 4.
