Apopka Council Races Take Shape as Multiple Candidates Announce Campaigns

By Ross Hudson | OrlandoVibeNow

Apopka’s 2026 municipal election cycle is already gaining momentum, with several familiar names—and a few new ones—officially jumping into the race. Let's take a look at some of these future leaders and their policy positions.

Vice Mayor Velazquez Seeks Another Term (Seat 2)

Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez has filed for re-election, aiming to extend her tenure as the longest-serving current member of the Apopka City Council. Velazquez is a well-known presence at local events and serves on several community boards, something she believes is essential for anyone in city leadership.

“I think it’s really important that our commissioners be involved, visible, and accessible—not just to residents, but to businesses and schools as well,” she told The Apopka Chief.

Velazquez says one of her goals is to continue educating residents about the pacing of new development approvals, noting that many projects won’t break ground for three to ten years. With housing demand still high, she believes communication and clarity are key to easing public concerns.

First elected in 2014, Velazquez briefly stepped away from city office while serving as an Orange County planning and zoning commissioner from 2018–2020, returning to Seat 2 in 2020. She is a retired NYPD officer, married to Ed Velazquez, with two children.

Seat 1: Ruth Challenges, Smith Seeks Third Term

The Seat 1 race is shaping up as a contested one.

Sam Ruth Announces Campaign

Former commissioner Sam Ruth is running for Seat 1, focusing his campaign on improving infrastructure, restoring professionalism, and resolving long-standing boundary issues within the city.

“Apopka is worth fighting for,” Ruth said. “I believe in this city’s future—but only with leadership committed to transparency and responsible planning.”

Ruth previously served from 2014 to 2016, winning Seat 3 in a runoff before losing re-election two years later. A lifelong Apopka resident, he’s urging the community to get more involved in shaping the city’s direction.

Incumbent Alexander Smith Running Again

Current commissioner Alexander H. Smith confirmed he has also filed paperwork to pursue a third term in Seat 1. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, Smith highlights progress the city has made, including the opening of Fire Station No. 6, park improvements, and new traffic signal installations.

He also pointed to ongoing major projects, such as the new SR 429 exit at Binion Road, widening on Ocoee-Apopka Road, and upgrades at the Northwest Recreation Complex.

A retired educator and pastor of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Smith is focused on increasing workforce and affordable housing, expanding educational opportunities, annexing unincorporated South Apopka, and addressing homelessness.

He and his wife share a large family: five children and 13 grandchildren.

Seat 4: Yesenia Baron Enters the Race

With Commissioner Nick Nesta stepping down to run for mayor in 2026, Yesenia Baron has announced her candidacy for Seat 4. Baron is a retired law enforcement officer, former small-business owner, and community advocate.

She says Apopka’s growth has outpaced its infrastructure and affordability, and she wants to help steer the city toward more balanced development.

“I believe we can move Apopka forward with purpose—by planning growth responsibly, investing in our downtown, and creating opportunities for families and businesses,” she wrote in her campaign announcement.

Baron previously ran for Seat 2 in 2020, losing to Velazquez in a runoff. Since then, she says issues around growth and housing have only become more pronounced. She advocates for partnerships and ecotourism efforts to support small businesses and strengthen the local economy.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Apopka’s March 10, 2026 municipal election will include races for:

• Mayor

• Seat 1

• Seat 2

Mayor Bryan Nelson faces a growing field of challengers, including District 2 County Commissioner Christine Moore, attorney Matt Aungst, and current Seat 4 commissioner Nick Nesta.

About the Author — Ross Hudson
Ross Hudson is a Florida real estate broker, certified appraiser, and publisher of multiple Orlando-focused media platforms. With more than 20 years of experience in Central Florida real estate, Ross helps homeowners understand market trends, home values, and the best strategies for selling in today’s changing Orlando market.
Learn more at RossHudsonRealEstate.com and OrlandoHomeSellerHelp.com.
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