Nicole Wilson Wins Election; Beats Betsy VanderLey for District 1 Commissioner

Nicole Wilson secured a victory over incumbent Betsy VanderLey for Orange County District 1 Commissioner. The campaign for Betsy VanderLey was plagued by controversy and failed to respond and adapt to the negative media reports. With a limited timeframe due to the election being moved to the primary, there was limited debate between the candidates on their views and issues, leaving voters with little information about the election. Nicole received 56.92% of the vote, compared to 42.64% for Betsy, with all precincts reporting. 

Nicole Wilson is a 20-year resident of Orange County with limited political experience. She is most well known for her opposition to the development of the Split Oak Forest Highway and a controversial “Rights of Nature” amendment to the bi-partisan Clean Waterways Acts. The Rights of Nature provision would have permitted anyone to sue any person or entity over any claim that harms nature. 

With the limited time-frame for the election, Nicole’s stance on development and the Horizon West master-plan has been unclear throughout the election, as the campaign was focused on attacking Betsy VanderLey. 

The Horizon West Info Team looks forward to continued reporting on the development throughout Horizon West.