An Orange County Clerk of Courts candidate withdrew from the race after a legal challenge, and the other Democratic candidates responded.
Before the actual trial could begin, Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero withdrew her candidacy for the Clerk of Courts in the Democratic primary election on August 18th. Cordero faced a lawsuit filed by Rick Singh, another Democrat also running in the race, regarding the resign-to-run law.
“I do not believe it is in the best interest of the public or the campaign to continue expending taxpayer resources and campaign funds litigating this matter,” Maribel Gomez Cordero wrote in her letter to the Supervisor of Elections. “Accordingly, for personal reasons, effective immediately, I am withdrawing my candidacy from the 2026 Special Election for Orange County Clerk of the Court.”
Now only two Democrats remain in the primary on the August 18th ballot for voters: Rick Singh and Roberta Walton Johnson, who currently serves as General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Circuit and County Courts. Both responded to the candidate withdrawal, likely trying to secure any new potential votes ahead of August 18th.
“Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero announced that she is withdrawing from the race for Orange County Clerk of Court following the lawsuit filed by Rick Singh,” Roberta Walton Johnson stated. “My sincere prayers are with Commissioner Gomez Cordero and her family as she continues to serve the remainder of her term. I respect her decision, commend her strength during what I know has been a difficult time, and wish her nothing but success in her future endeavors.”
Walton Johnson also took the opportunity of one opponent dropping out to focus back on the campaign, and took issue with what her supporters are calling “negative campaigning” in the race.
“This campaign should be about experience, integrity, and a vision for the future of the Clerk’s Office—not personal attacks or distractions. While recent events have changed the dynamics of this race, they have not changed my commitment to the people of Orange County,” Roberta Walton Johnson continued. “To be clear, I will not be intimidated or deterred from continuing this campaign. I remain focused on the issues that matter: protecting public records, expanding access to justice, supporting our courts, and providing experienced, accountable leadership from day one. Orange County deserves a campaign centered on qualifications and service, and that is exactly the campaign I will continue to run.”
The candidate who filed the lawsuit that led to Cordero withdrawing also responded to the update in the race.
“I want to commend Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero for her years of dedicated public service and her commitment to representing our entire community,” candidate Rick Singh stated. “Public service requires sacrifice—not only from those who choose to serve, but from their families as well. Anyone willing to step forward and serve the people deserves our respect and gratitude.”
“I wish Commissioner Cordero and her family the very best. I would value the opportunity to work with her in the future as we continue moving Orange County forward—building a community where every voice is heard, every community is respected, and everyone has an opportunity to succeed,” Singh continued. “Thank you, Commissioner Cordero, for your service to Orange County.”
As one candidate gave up on the Orange County Clerk of Courts race, the other Democratic candidates jumped in to try to win any support and votes ahead of Election Day.
The post Orange County Clerk Candidate Withdrew, Other Candidates Respond appeared first on West Orlando News.
Source: West Orlando News
Published: 2026-08-10 10:50:00