By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
The Apopka municipal elections are still 166 days away, but there are already two candidates running for Seats 3 and 4 on the city commission.
Earlier in September, Eric Mock, a local real estate agent, announced his intention to run for Seat #4 - which is currently held by Commissioner Nick Nesta.
Also in September, another real estate agent filed to run for Seat #3 - Nadia Anderson. The seat is currently held by Commissioner Kyle Becker, who earlier announced he would not run for re-election.
"Today, I announce my intentions not to seek re-election in the upcoming 2024 Apopka municipal election," Becker said at a June City Council meeting. "As such, please treat this letter as my confirmation my term will end at the installment of the next duly elected Commissioner of Seat 3... It is with humbling honor that I again thank the people of Apopka for the opportunity and privilege to serve."
Anderson, who is new to Apopka politics, filed to run for Seat #3 on September 7th. She held her first meet-and-greet event Tuesday to kick off her campaign. According to her Facebook page, she is the Broker/Owner of Prestige Realty Consultants.
The Apopka Voice attempted to contact Anderson through a phone call and text message, but was unable to reach her before publishing this story.
With Becker not on the ballot, the field could be large for Seat #3. Two of the most likely candidates are Wes Dumey, and Lynetta Johnson, who both ran for office in 2022.
Dumey was also appointed to the Planning Commission in July 2022. He ran unsuccessfully for Seat #2 against Commissioner Diane Velazquez.
Johnson ran unsuccessfully against Becker in a special election for Seat #3 in 2022 to fill the vacancy left by Commissioner Doug Bankson - who vacated the seat to become the State House Representative for District 39 - which includes Apopka.
Apopka municipal elections will likely coincide with the Florida Presidential Preference Primary on March 19th, 2024.