A write-in candidate has filed for Orange County District 1 Commissioner, leading to a change in the election date. Stephen Davis, a former Orange County Battalion Chief, was dismissed in 2021 for his refusal to issue disciplinary actions to firefighters who did not comply with vaccination mandates, show exemptions, or present negative COVID-19 tests. He is also the author of Alone in the Fire, based on his experiences.

The inclusion of a third candidate shifts the election date to August 20, instead of November 5. In non-partisan elections, when three or more candidates are running, they compete in an open primary election, with the top two candidates advancing to the general election. If only two candidates are running, there is no primary, and voting takes place during the general election. During a primary election, a candidate winning more than 50% of the vote wins outright.

In 2020, Nicole Wilson won outright against incumbent Betsy VanderLey and write-in candidate Hannah Burns by securing 56.9% of the vote, leading by over 5,000 votes. Hannah Burns is the stepdaughter of former commissioner Scott Boyd. In 2022, both Jerry Demings and Teresa Jacobs won re-election in the primary by earning 59% and 69% of the vote, respectively.

Incumbent Nicole Wilson has recently been endorsed by the Orange County Firefighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 205 and the Orlando Professional Fire Fighters.

For more information about the candidates, visit their respective websites:

• Stephen Davis: chiefstephendavis.com
• Nicole Wilson: votenicolewilson.com
• Austin Arthur: voteaustinarthur.com

The deadline to register to vote is July 22.