2014 August Elections: Know the Democrats Running in Orange

Local elections are just around the corner for Orange County voters. While Republican Mayor Teresa Jacobs escaped unchallenged because Val Demings dropped out of the race and the Democratic Party could not field another challenger, there still are some important decisions to be made on August 26, 2014. There’s also the very important primary for Governor between lifelong Democrat Nan Rich and Republican-turned-Independent-turned-Democrat Charlie Crist, who still refuses a debate with Nan Rich.

In the 2014 August elections, the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee only has one endorsed candidate – School Board candidate Joshua Katz running in District 1. Katz has also gone viral with his Tedx Talk on the toxic culture of education with over 50,000 views. This is a must-win for local Democrats against incumbent Joie Cadle.

Here’s a quick recap of all the Democratic candidates running in the August 2014 elections and a link to their campaign websites. Check out the Democrats running for office this year before voting:

U.S. Representative, District 9
Congressman Alan Grayson (incumbent)
Nick Ruiz

U.S. Representative, District 10
William Ferree
Michael McKenna
Shayan Modarres

Governor
Nan Rich
Charlie Crist

Attorney General
George Sheldon
Perry Thurston

State Senator, District 12
Senator Geraldine Thompson (incumbent)
Gary Siplin

County Commissioner, District 2
Greg Jackson
Alvin Moore
Patricia Rumph

County Commissioner, District 4
Euri Cerrud
Maribel Gomez Cordero

County Commissioner, District 6
Lawanna Gelzer
Homer Hartage
Victoria Siplin
Derrick “Shine” Wallace
Roberta Walton
Virginia Whittington

School Board Member, District 1
Joshua Katz

School Board Member
Daryl Flynn
Phil Stump

School Board Member, District 3
Regina Hellinger
Julio Rocha

Clerk of the Courts
James Auffant
Tiffany Moore Russell (current Democratic County Commissioner, District 6)

Earned Sick Time Special Referendum
(This special referendum is a non-binding straw poll.)
Yes (link to ballot language)

One-Half Cent Sales Surtax For Public Schools
Yes (link to ballot language)

FYI: WFTV ran a story this week about questions over those funding the push for Orange County sales tax extension for schools (big developers who will benefit directly).