Olszewski, VanderLey head to run-off

Editor’s note: The vote totals and percentages are based on unofficial results from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections at press time.

ORANGE COUNTY It was a hotly contested election from the get-go, and it’s not over yet.

Because no candidate received more than 50% of the vote in Tuesday’s primary election, voters once again will be asked to cast their ballots for the next Orange County District 1 commissioner.

Oakland resident Betsy VanderLey was the top vote-getter in the primary, receiving 9,878 (45.54%) votes. In November’s general election, she will face Winter Garden City Commissioner Robert “Bobby” Olszewski, who received 7,690 (35.45%) votes.

Candidate Nuren Haider received 2,372 (10.94%) votes, and Dr. Usha Jain received 1,751 (8.07%) votes.

VanderLey held her watch party at The VineYard Wine Bar and Healthy Bistro at The Grove Orlando near Windermere.

“A four-way race with 46% is unheard of,” VanderLey said to about 60 supporters in attendance. “Now, we bury him (Olszewski).”

About 10 minutes away, at his own watch party at Graffiti Junktion in Dr. Phillips, Olszewski said he expected the run-off.

“It was a spirited primary, and I look forward to continuing to share my vision for Orange County,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the general election.”

Olszewski and his wife, Allison, are expecting their daughter to be born any day now. But despite the lack of sleep that comes with having a newborn, Olszewski said he is prepared to resume his campaign.

“I’m a man of faith, and I don’t believe we have any obstacles put in our path that we can’t conquer,” he said. “We’re going to work harder than any candidate will in this race to show Orange County District 1 that we will put residents and community first back in local government.”

VanderLey declined requests for an interview for this story.

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3
Orange County District 3 Commissioner Pete Clarke won his reelection handily, amassing 14,563 (68.70%) votes.

Candidate Bill Moore was the closest challenger, with 4,770 (22.50%) votes. Robert Melanson received 1,750 (8.26%) votes, while write-in candidates received 114 (.54%) votes.

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4
In the race for the Orange County School Board District 4 seat, incumbent Pam Gould earned 10,122 (58.99%) votes, while challenger Michele Wilmot received 7,037 (41.01%) votes.

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 7
In a four-way race for the Orange County School Board District 7 seat, incumbent Christine Moore failed to secure more than 51% of the vote, thus sending this race to a run-off in November.

Moore received 8,353 (45.25%) votes. She will face Matthew Fitzpatrick, who received 4,589 (24.86%). Candidate Isadora Dean received 4,160 (22.54%), while Laura Rounds received 1,358 (7.36%).

PRIMARY ELECTION RESULTS
CANDIDATE    VOTES    PERCENTAGE
COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 1
Nuren Haider    2,372    10.94%
Dr. Usha Jain    1,751    8.07%
Robert “Bobby” Olszewski    7,690    35.45%
Betsy VanderLey    9,878    45.54%

COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 3
Pete Clarke    14,563    68.70%
Robert Melanson    1,750    8.26%
Bill Moore    4,770    22.50%
WRITE-IN    114    .54%

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 4
Pam Gould    10,122    58.99%
Michele Wilmot    7,037    41.01%

SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT 7
Isadora Dean    4,160    22.54%
Matthew Fitzpatrick    4,589    24.86%
Christine Moore    8,353    45.25%
Laura Rounds    1,358    7.36%

COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 1
Eric DuBois    52,105    47.03%
Michael Gibson    36,113    32.59%
Roger Scott    22,583    20.38%

COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 4
David Johnson    33,923    30.74%
Kafi D. Kennedy Swanson    26,145    23.69%
Tom Young    50,292    45.57%

COUNTY COURT JUDGE GROUP 5
Mark Anthony Arias    22,989    20.69%
Harold M. Bacchus    17,104    15.40%
Frank George    23,609    21.25%
Evellen Jewett    47,399    42.66%

TAX EXEMPTION FOR SOLAR DEVISES OR RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCE DEVICES
Yes    89,891    74.37%
No    30,973    25.63%

Source: Orange County Supervisor of Elections Unofficial Results