From Staff Reports
In Summary:
On its Sunday editorial page, the Orlando Sentinel endorsed Christine Moore over incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson, citing leadership style and direction for the city. The board also backed Alexander Smith in Seat 1, Diane Velazquez in Seat 2, and Malika Harrison in the open Seat 4 contest. While acknowledging the qualifications of other candidates, the editorial explained its preference for experience in some races and change in others.
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With early voting beginning on March 2, and Election Day on March 10, the editorial board of the Orlando Sentinel has stepped into the 2026 municipal races — endorsing a challenger for mayor, choosing sides in three City Commission contests, and spelling out why other candidates didn’t make the cut.
Related: Apopka mayoral debate reveals stark divide on growth, governance, and fiscal risk.
Related: Debate highlights sharp contrasts in city commission candidates.
Mayor: Christine Moore
In the mayoral race, the Sentinel endorsed Christine Moore, pointing to her experience on the Orange County School Board and Orange County Commission and describing her as a consensus-builder capable of guiding Apopka through continued growth.
The editorial contrasted Moore’s leadership style with that of incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson, who is seeking another term. Nelson, first elected in 2018 after serving in the Florida House and on the Orange County Commission, has emphasized fiscal management and reserve growth during his tenure. The Sentinel acknowledged his knowledge of city business but expressed concern about what it described as a top-down approach to governance and questioned whether that style best serves a growing and diversifying city. The board ultimately concluded Moore represented a shift in tone and direction.
Seat 1: Alexander Smith
For Seat 1, the Sentinel endorsed incumbent Commissioner Alexander Smith, who is seeking another term. The editorial cited his experience on the commission and familiarity with city operations as reasons for its support.
Smith’s opponent, former Commissioner Sam Ruth, was described as knowledgeable about the city’s history and growth challenges. However, the board determined that Smith’s continuity on the dais and record in office warranted another term.
Seat 2: Diane Velazquez
In Seat 2, the Sentinel endorsed incumbent Diane Velazquez, highlighting her years of service since 2014 and her engagement in development and infrastructure issues.
Velazquez faces challengers Angela Turner and George “Smitty” Smith. The editorial noted both challengers’ backgrounds and community involvement but concluded that Velázquez’s experience and performance on the commission made her the preferred candidate in this race.
Seat 4: Malika Harrison
For the open Seat 4 contest, the Sentinel endorsed Malika Harrison. The board described Harrison as prepared to serve and capable of addressing city budgeting and growth issues.
Her opponent, Yesenia Baron, was recognized as energetic and engaged, but the editorial stated Harrison appeared more ready to step into the role immediately.
Decision at the polls
Early voting begins March 2, with Election Day set for March 10. Voters will determine the outcome of the mayor’s race and three City Commission contests once all vote-by-mail, early voting, and Election Day ballots are counted and certified.
The Sentinel’s endorsements outline its preferred direction for Apopka’s leadership, but the final decision rests with the city’s voters.
Key Points:
- Christine Moore was endorsed for mayor over incumbent Bryan Nelson.
- Alexander Smith received the nod in the Seat 1 City Commission race.
- Diane Velazquez was endorsed for re-election in Seat 2.
- Malika Harrison was endorsed in the open Seat 4 contest.
- The editorial outlined specific reasons for not selecting Nelson, Sam Ruth, Angela Turner, George “Smitty” Smith, or Yesenia Baron.
