Wes Hodge.
From Staff Reports
In Summary:
A new candidate has entered the race for the Orange County Commission District 2 seat. Wes Hodge announced this week that his campaign submitted 1,152 petition signatures after only seven days of organizing and canvassing across the community. Hodge said the early momentum reflects growing support for a campaign centered on affordability, transportation improvements, and more responsive local leadership.
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A new candidate is officially entering the race for the Orange County Commission District 2 seat, and he is doing so with an early show of grassroots support.
Wes Hodge announced this week that his campaign collected and submitted more than 1,100 petition signatures within just one week of launching its petition drive, surpassing the threshold required to qualify for the ballot without paying a qualifying fee.
Previously, Hodge was Chief of Staff to Orange County Commissioners Mayra Uribe and Dr. Kelly Martinez Semrad.
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The campaign officially launched its petition effort on May 4. On Monday, May 11, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections confirmed receipt of 1,152 petitions submitted by the campaign.
While the petitions still must be verified by election officials, the total exceeds the 1,046 valid signatures required for ballot qualification by petition. Candidates who do not qualify through petitions must instead pay a qualifying fee of $4,948.81.
The campaign said the effort was fueled by volunteers, neighbors, community organizations, advocates, and small businesses that mobilized throughout the district during the weeklong push.
Supporters canvassed neighborhoods, attended community events, coordinated petition pickups, and connected with voters across the district, according to the campaign.
Hodge said the early response reflects growing support for a campaign focused on affordability, transportation improvements, sustainable growth, and responsive local government.
“This has been an incredibly humbling experience,” said Hodge. “I am deeply grateful for every volunteer, neighbor, friend, group, and small business that stepped up to help make this happen. To gather more than 1,100 petitions in just one week shows the support of our community and the belief that together we can build an Orange County that works for everyone. I’m proud of what we accomplished together, and this is only the beginning.”
Hodge is seeking the District 2 seat on the Orange County Commission, representing portions of west Orange County, including communities connected to the Apopka area. He is the fourth candidate to file for the office - joining former Florida State House Representative Kamia Brown, Ocoee Commissioner George Oliver, and Apopka attorney Marsha Summersill in the race.
Key Points:
- Wes Hodge is running for the Orange County Commission District 2 seat.
- His campaign submitted 1,152 petition signatures within one week of launching its petition drive.
- Candidates need 1,046 valid petitions to qualify for the ballot without paying the qualifying fee.
- Hodge’s campaign says volunteers, neighborhood supporters, community groups, and small businesses helped power the effort.
- The campaign is focused on affordability, transportation improvements, sustainable growth, and responsive local government.
