Orange County residents meet candidates for District 7 seat

Updated: 3:12 PM EDT Apr 8, 2026 | Gail Paschall-Brown , Reporter

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. —

Residents of Orange County had the opportunity to hear from candidates running for the newly created District 7 during a forum held Tuesday night at the Orange County Multicultural Center.

Eleven of the 15 candidates vying for the District 7 seat attended the event, including individuals with prior experience in public office. The newly created district will represent Eatonville, Maitland, and unincorporated Pine Hills, offering candidates the chance to address the unique needs of these communities.

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The candidates represent a broad range of backgrounds, including attorneys, nonprofit leaders, and a former mayor. They discussed several key topics, including reducing crime, affordable housing, and keeping streets and neighborhoods clean.

Former Orlando City Commissioner Vicky Vargo said, "Please vote for Vicki Vargo cause I show up, and I get things done."

Former Eatonville Mayor Angie Gardner said, "I will represent you equally, and I will also represent you as though it mattered to the whole county."

Other candidates shared their perspectives and goals for the district.

Zack Maldof said, "You should vote for me because I'm not going to deal with your problems. Your problems will deal with me."

Stacy Gordon-Ali said, "I am Stacy Ali, and I'm the only candidate that understands you. A lot of times, we are reactive when we should be proactive."

Aaron Lewis said, "Why you should vote for Aaron Emmanuel Lewis... I'm a fighter. I believe in finding true solutions and getting things done."

The forum also drew interest from residents.

Maitland resident Ryonne Jones said, "I think that forum was exciting... to know what's going on, concerns... an extremely great event."

The election for District 7 will be held on Aug. 18.

The event was put on by the Pine Hills Community Council