Orange County voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 for a runoff election that will decide who becomes the next county mayor. The two candidates who earned the most votes in the August primary—Chris Messina and Tiffany Moore Russell—joined WESH 2 for a live debate on the network’s Commitment 2026 series.
Debate focus: taxes, housing and transit
Moderated by anchor Stewart Moore, the candidates fielded questions on the issues most pressing to Central Florida residents. Both men and women addressed the Tourist Development Tax, a levy that funds local tourism‑related projects, and the upcoming property‑tax amendment known as Amendment 3. Messina emphasized the need to protect the tax’s revenue stream while ensuring it does not overburden homeowners. Russell argued for a more flexible approach that could lower the tax burden for families struggling with rising costs.
Housing affordability dominated the conversation. Messina highlighted the county’s $9 billion budget and the role of the mayor’s office in steering resources toward affordable‑housing initiatives. He pledged to work with developers to increase the supply of entry‑level homes without sacrificing quality. Russell countered by proposing incentives for private builders and a review of zoning rules to allow higher‑density projects where appropriate.
Transportation was another key topic. Both candidates agreed that improving access to reliable transit is essential for commuters and seniors alike. Messina pointed to ongoing projects to expand bus routes and improve road maintenance, while Russell suggested expanding commuter rail options and investing in bike‑lane infrastructure.
What the mayor does
The Orange County mayor presides over county operations and oversees a budget exceeding $9 billion, employing roughly 8,400 staff members within the mayor’s administration. The mayor also serves as the executive head of the county commission, the only countywide elected official on that body.
Election logistics
Early voting begins Oct. 24, and voters who prefer to cast a mail‑in ballot must request one by Oct. 22. The runoff will be decided on Nov. 3, the same day as the general election for other county offices.
For viewers who missed the live broadcast, the full debate video is available on the WESH 2 website. Residents are encouraged to watch the discussion, compare the candidates’ positions, and make an informed choice at the ballot box.
Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.
