Meet the candidates: Orange County Mayor

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs is leaving due to reaching the eight-year term limit, and three candidates are seeking to succeed her: Orange County Commissioner Pete Clarke, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and businessman Rob Panepinto.

Former candidate Bill Sublette – the Orange County Public Schools Chairman – dropped out of the race Jan. 31.

The election for Jacobs’ seat is scheduled to take place Aug. 28. If a candidate fails to win 50% of the vote, a runoff will be held Nov. 6.

In an exclusive Q&A with the West Orange Times & Windermere Observer, the candidates answered questions regarding their priorities for the county, motivations to run for the open mayoral seat and ideas for how to address the issues facing Orange County. 

Click on their names below to read their answers and learn more about what they hope to accomplish if elected as Orange County Mayor.

CANDIDATE Q&As:

Pete Clarke

Jerry Demings

Rob Panepinto