From Staff Reports
In Summary:
The qualifying period for the special election to fill Seat 4 on the Apopka City Commission runs Monday through Wednesday, Jan. 5–7, at Apopka City Hall. Entering qualifying week, Yesenia Baron is the only candidate to have filed for the seat, which became vacant after Nick Nesta resigned to run for mayor. Qualifying for mayor and Seats 1 and 2 is already closed, making this the final chance for candidates to enter the Seat 4 race ahead of the March 10 election.
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This is your last chance to run for the Apopka City Commission in 2026.
The qualifying period for the special election to fill Seat 4 on the Apopka City Commission runs Monday through Wednesday, January 5–7, allowing residents to file candidacy paperwork ahead of the March election. Qualifying takes place at the City Clerk's office, at City Hall, 120 E. Main Street, where prospective candidates must submit required forms and fees to appear on the ballot.
Related: Yesenia Baron files to run for Seat #4 in the Apopka Special Election.
Going into qualifying week, Yesenia Baron was the only candidate to file for the Seat 4 election.
Seat 4 opened after Commissioner Nick Nesta resigned in December to run for mayor in the regular municipal election also scheduled for Tuesday, March 10th. Residents will cast ballots on that day for the mayor and Seats 1 and 2, as well as the special Seat 4 race.
Qualifying basics:
Candidates must file key campaign documents, including designating a campaign treasurer and other reports, and pay applicable fees or submit petitions if available (note: for this special election for Seat 4, the city’s resolution does not allow qualification by petition). Interested candidates should verify all requirements with the City Clerk’s office before the deadline.
Municipal election timeline:
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Election Day: Tuesday, March 10, 2026, from 7 am to 7 pm at designated polling locations.
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Early voting: Monday, February 23 through Sunday, March 8, 2026, typically from 10 am to 6 pm at the Apopka Community Center, with additional early-voting opportunities at the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office in Orlando.
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Mail-in ballot requests: Voters must request their vote-by-mail ballots through the Orange County Supervisor of Elections before the February 26th deadline.
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You must register to vote in this election by February 9th.
Qualifying for mayor and Seats 1 and 2 is already closed, leaving only the January 5–7 window as the final opportunity for hopefuls to enter the Seat 4 race.
Key Points:
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Qualifying for the Seat 4 special election runs Jan. 5–7 at the City Clerk’s office inside Apopka City Hall, 120 E. Main St.
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Yesenia Baron is the only candidate to file heading into qualifying week.
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Seat 4 opened following Nick Nesta’s resignation to pursue the mayor’s office.
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Election Day is Tuesday, March 10, 2026, with voters also selecting the mayor and commissioners for Seats 1 and 2.
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Early voting runs February 23–March 8 at the Apopka Community Center, and vote-by-mail requests must be submitted to the Orange County Supervisor of Elections by February 26.
