From Staff Reports
In Summary:
Qualifying Week for Apopka’s 2026 municipal election runs from noon Monday, December 15, through noon Friday, December 19, giving candidates a limited window to officially secure ballot access. Candidates for mayor and City Commission Seats 1 and 2 have begun qualifying through petition signatures or filing fees, solidifying several key matchups.
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Candidates for Apopka Mayor and City Commission Seats 1 and 2 have begun officially qualifying for the March 10, 2026, municipal election as Qualifying Week continues at Apopka City Hall. The qualifying period opened at noon on Monday, December 15, and will close at noon on Friday, December 19.
In the mayor’s race, Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore announced that she has officially qualified after submitting more than 300 signed petitions, allowing her to appear on the ballot without paying the $6,000 qualifying fee.
Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore qualified on Monday.
“Qualifying by petition reflects the trust residents place in this campaign,” Moore said, adding that she is ready to work with the community to build a stronger Apopka. Her campaign said it will now focus on outreach and sharing a platform that includes downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, conservation, and promoting civility in public discourse.
Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta qualified on Tuesday.
Moore is joined on the qualified mayoral ballot by Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta, who announced Tuesday, December 16, that he had officially completed the qualifying process, and by incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson, who qualified for re-election after collecting more than 700 petition signatures with the help of his wife, Debbie.
Mayor Nelson qualified with over 700 signatures.
On Wednesday, Matthew Aungst, who filed paperwork to run for mayor, suspended his campaign.
Former Commissioner Sam Ruth qualified to run for Seat #1.
In the race for City Commission Seat 1, incumbent Commissioner Alexander Smith qualified for re-election, stating he looks forward to continuing to “move Apopka forward.” He will face former City Commissioner Sam Ruth, who also completed his qualification paperwork this week. Ruth thanked city staff for a smooth process and said he is running to restore open communication, accountability, and resident-focused planning at City Hall.
Commissioner Alexander Smith qualified to defend Seat #1.
For City Commission Seat 2, incumbent Diane Velazquez officially qualified for re-election in March, thanking voters for their trust and asking for continued support. Angela Turner, a first-time candidate for the seat, also qualified during the week.
Commissioner Diane Velazquez qualified to defend Seat #2.
The Apopka municipal election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with early voting scheduled from February 23 through March 8, 2026, at the Apopka Community Center (VFW). Voters will decide races for mayor and City Commission seats as the city continues to navigate growth, infrastructure needs, and governance issues.
Qualifying for Seat #4 has been scheduled for January 5-7. Yesenia Baron is currently the only candidate to file for the special election.
Key Points:
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Qualifying Week runs from noon on December 15 through noon on December 19 at Apopka City Hall.
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Christine Moore, Nick Nesta, and Mayor Bryan Nelson have all qualified for the mayoral race.
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Alexander Smith and Sam Ruth qualified for City Commission Seat 1.
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Diane Velazquez and first-time candidate Angela Turner qualified for City Commission Seat 2.
- The Seat 4 special-election qualifying period is January 3-5.
