ORLANDO, Fla. – Candidates are now able to file to run in the special election to serve as interim Orlando city commissioner for District 5.
Former state Rep. Travaris McCurdy was the first to formally announce his intention to run on Monday.
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The city of Orlando also lists candidates Moliere Dimanche, Tiakeysha Ellison, Lawanna Gelzer, Cameron Hope, Cocoa King, Miles Mulrain and Shanique Rose on its campaign filings page.
The winner of the election in May will take over the District 5 seat on the City Council, which represents the communities of Parramore, the Mercy Drive area, and into Metrowest.
Commissioner Regina Hill was suspended last week after charges of elderly exploitation were filed against her. The person who wins the seat will serve until the current term ends, or until Hill’s criminal case is resolved.
McCurdy served as a Democrat in the Florida House of Representatives from 2020 to 2022, representing part of West Orange County. He’s currently the small business programs manager for the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. In his time in Tallahassee, he worked on bills regarding juvenile justice and rental reform, among other issues.
“I will prioritize affordable housing, public safety, infrastructure and good paying jobs,” McCurdy said Monday. “I will work tirelessly to ensure that each priority is improved to enhance the quality of life for every resident in District 5.”
Gelzer is a longtime advocate for the west Orlando districts and a frequent candidate for political office, though she has never won. She has advocated for more money going to the district for road repairs, more affordable housing, more oversight of the Orlando Police Department, and recently has also focused on extreme heat and its effects on communities of color.
Ellison is a business coach who also manages a financial services business. In a Facebook post announcing her campaign, Ellison said she wants to focus on programs that get more people involved in small business growth, coming up with affordable housing solutions, and expanding youth and education programs.
Mulrain is a community advocate who founded Let Your Voice Be Heard, a nonprofit that organizes community and youth outreach events.
Shaniqua Rose ran against Hill in 2019 and lost. She is currently executive director of the Historic Town of Eatonville Community Redevelopment Agency, and president of the nonprofit Change for the Community. Rose has also worked as an advocate for the homeless, community policing and youth mentorship.
“I do not have all the answers, but I am excited to improve District 5 where I am a homeowner and live,” Rose said in a news release. “So if you care like I do, let’s work together. There are no easy answers in District 5, starting with Affordable Housing, education, Jobs, homelessness, drugs, and crime. All of these problems must be addressed.”
On Thursday, former Miss America and District 5 native Ericka Dunlap announced she will launch her campaign for the District 5 seat. Dunlap ran against Hill in 2017 and lost.
“I’m honored to be of service to my community”, Dunlap said. “Together, we are community strong.”
News 6 has spoken to other potential candidates, who say they intend to run, but have not made any formal announcements yet. As other candidates announce their plans, News 6 will update this story.
The city clerk’s office began allowing candidates to file initial paperwork at noon on Monday. The official qualifying day is Tuesday, April 16. Anyone interested in running needs to file with the city clerk’s office. More information is on the City of Orlando website.
Election Day is Tuesday, May 21.
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