Apopka Mayoral Candidates Debate City's Future

Key issues include city charter, growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The race for Apopka mayor on March 10 is shaping up to be a contentious one, with key issues including city charter amendments, growth, affordable housing, and infrastructure dominating the conversation. In an interview, the three candidates shared their positions and visions for the future of the city.

Why it matters

The decisions Apopka voters make will shape the city's leadership, governance structure, and approach to growth and development for years to come. The mayoral race highlights ongoing debates around the role of government, development, and community priorities.

The details

The three mayoral candidates - Commissioner Nick Nesta, Commissioner Christine Moore, and Mayor Bryan Nelson - discussed a range of issues facing Apopka. Nesta emphasized proposed charter amendments to shift to a managerial form of government, while Moore expressed concerns about recent instability in city administration. Nelson defended the current strong mayor system. On growth, the candidates discussed balancing developer interests with resident needs, downtown revitalization, and infrastructure investment. Utility rates, a potential state property tax reduction, and other fiscal challenges were also addressed.

  • Early voting is currently happening through Sunday, March 8.
  • The mayoral election will be held on Tuesday, March 10.

The players

Nick Nesta

Apopka city commissioner who emphasized resident input on proposed charter amendments and a need for "smart growth" that doesn't sacrifice current residents.

Christine Moore

Apopka city commissioner who expressed caution about moving to a managerial form of government, but supported term limits as a way to cultivate new leadership.

Bryan Nelson

Apopka mayor who defended the current strong mayor system and highlighted the city's financial management and infrastructure replacement efforts.

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What they’re saying

“The biggest thing here is going from a strong mayor for our government to a managerial form of government. The residents wanted this on the ballot and I've always stood behind what the residents want.”

— Nick Nesta, Apopka City Commissioner (clickorlando.com)

“I am deeply concerned about this one because this board has had five managers over the past seven and a half years, and in the last three years they haven't been able to agree upon a full-time manager.”

— Christine Moore, Apopka City Commissioner (clickorlando.com)

“The strong mayor form of government... makes it so that anything that comes before us, I'm going to see.”

— Bryan Nelson, Apopka Mayor (clickorlando.com)

What’s next

The mayoral election will be held on Tuesday, March 10, with early voting continuing through the weekend. The decisions made by Apopka voters will shape the city's leadership and approach to key issues for years to come.

The takeaway

The Apopka mayoral race highlights ongoing debates around the role of government, development, and community priorities. Voters will have to weigh the candidates' visions for the city's future, including proposals to change the governance structure, manage growth, and address infrastructure challenges.