From Staff Reports
The race for Apopka’s 2026 mayoral seat heated up this week when local businessman Matt Aungst released a public statement detailing his reasons for the “Make Apopka Great Again” mailers and billboards that have recently stirred debate on social media.
Related: Make Apopka Great Again?
In a statement released to The Apopka Voice and on his "Make Apopka Great" Facebook page, Aungst thanked residents for their feedback and said the slogan was chosen not for partisan politics, but because it would spark a conversation about the state of the city.
"Apopka faces significant fiscal and management challenges that require immediate attention," he said. "The city's current financial trajectory is unsustainable. The next mayor must be prepared for intensive work, including extended hours and a commitment to recruiting exceptional talent to rebuild our administrative capacity. This will require someone willing to make tough decisions and implement comprehensive reforms to restore the city's financial health and operational effectiveness."
He emphasized that the mailer was never meant as a personal attack on Mayor Bryan Nelson or Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore, the two mayoral candidates in the upcoming race. Instead, he said, the goal was to highlight that Apopka’s primary options are, in his view, career politicians.
"The hope was to inspire reflection among residents, neighbors, taxpayers, business owners, and community members about the current state of Apopka and the critical leadership decisions ahead," he wrote in the statement. "To me, the position of mayor should be grounded in sound judgment and a balanced, pro-resident, business-focused approach, beyond politics, personality, or prior ties."
He wrote that he is not a plant for Nelson, nor an attorney for former mayoral candidate William Dabbs or anyone else. Aungst is an attorney for Aungst Law in Apopka.
“Leading during challenging times will require thoughtful leadership, consensus building, sweat equity, and the thick skin to ensure the right decisions are made for Apopkans,” Aungst said.
He added that he has not made a personal decision about running for office but is aware of the sacrifice required, and hopes that the conversation will inspire a strong candidate, encourage thorough scrutiny of all current candidates, and foster the emergence of a worthwhile third option for the city and voters to consider.
He is, however, considering it.
"Yes," he said. "I am carefully listening to feedback from Apopka voters to make a final decision."
Aungst said he would decide in the coming weeks, but that it would be a team effort.
"You can’t win an election or run the office of mayor adequately on your own," he explained. "If I decide to run, my campaign will be one of collaboration and consensus-building, from voters to business owners and other community members in between. I am a family man, so the final deciding factor will be the assurance I can adequately balance both."
Ultimately, he wrote, the next mayor—whoever that may be—should be committed to transparency, independence, and the well‑being of all Apopka residents.
