Orlando Gudes Eyes Comeback in Tampa's District 5 Special Election

Orlando Gudes Eyes Comeback in Tampa's District 5 Special Election

As the political landscape shifts in Tampa, former City Councilman Orlando Gudes is making a notable comeback attempt. Gudes has officially filed to reclaim the District 5 seat, which became vacant following the passing of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson. This change sets the stage for a special election scheduled for September 9, organized by Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections Craig Latimer. The upcoming contest draws particular attention, especially since Gudes lost his reelection bid nearly two years ago by a narrow margin of just 70-77 votes.

Gudes’s decision to re-enter the political arena comes in response to calls from constituents who encouraged him to run again. His campaign will tackle pressing issues impacting minority communities, including economic empowerment, youth programs, and attainable housing. He is keen on continuing the initiatives started by Henderson, particularly those aimed at supporting young people in the district. While his previous term was marred by controversy related to allegations of a hostile work environment—claims he denied and which resulted in a lawsuit being dismissed—he insists his focus is now on the community.Bay News 9 reports that Gudes’s campaign reflects a desire for redemption and renewed service to his constituents.

The Special Election Timeline

This special election not only fills the seat left by Henderson but also represents a significant moment for the District 5 electorate. Approximately 44,000 registered voters reside in the district, and the voter registration deadline is set for August 11. Candidates wishing to enter the race must complete their paperwork during the candidate qualifying period from August 11-15. According to WUSF, should no candidate secure over 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on October 28.

Early voting will provide opportunities for voters to cast their ballots from September 4 to 7, with polling locations including the West Tampa Branch Library and Blythe Andrews Library. Election Day will see the polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., making it crucial for residents to stay informed through the electoral process.

A Growing Field of Candidates

The field is getting crowded, as Gudes is among a total of nine candidates vying for the District 5 position. Recently, two more contenders joined the fray, bringing fresh dynamics into the race. Fran Tate, a community advocate and President of the Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association, aims to focus on affordable housing and public safety. On the other hand, Melony Williams, a Republican and veteran with a storied military career, seeks to represent her party in this predominantly Democratic district.

• Fran Tate: Community Advocate, President of Jackson Heights Neighborhood Association
• Melony Williams: Retired Lieutenant Colonel, former candidate for Hillsborough Clerk of Court
• Juawana Williams: Real estate professional
• Ariel Amirah Danley: Daughter of late Councilwoman Henderson
• Elvis Piggott: Perennial candidate
• Thomas Scott: Former Hillsborough County Commissioner

Interestingly, Williams is the only registered Republican in a district with nearly 25,000 Democrats against fewer than 8,000 Republicans. Her previous attempts in the GOP Primary highlight a challenging landscape as she tries to establish her presence among a diverse pool of candidates. This evolving scenario is set against a backdrop of increased community engagement, reflecting a collective yearning for leadership that resonates deeply with the district’s needs. Florida Politics shares insights into how the competition is shaping up.

As August approaches, the stage is set for an exciting political contest in Tampa’s District 5, where voters will have the chance to weigh in on their future leadership after the loss of a figure like Henderson. It’s a pivotal time for constituents, who will determine which voices to amplify as their issues come to the forefront.