Hope Partnership founder defeats Donald Shroyer with 59% of the vote, succeeding longtime Commissioner Cheryl Grieb and emphasizing affordable housing, responsible growth, and economic opportunity.

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — Mary Lee Downey, a longtime community advocate and founder of Hope Partnership, won election to the Osceola County Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday, November 3, defeating Republican Donald Shroyer in the race for District 4.

Downey, a Democrat, received 12,984 votes, or approximately 59%, compared with Shroyer’s 9,070 votes, or 41%, according to unofficial election results from the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections.

With all 29 precincts reporting, Downey’s victory brings new leadership to District 4, where she will succeed Commissioner Cheryl Grieb, who has represented the district since 2014 and did not seek reelection.

The election marks a new chapter in Downey’s years of community service, transitioning from nonprofit leadership and advocacy to an elected position helping shape the future of one of Central Florida’s fastest-growing counties.

A career dedicated to serving Osceola County

Downey is widely recognized for her work addressing homelessness, housing instability, and the challenges facing families throughout Osceola County.

As founder and CEO of Hope Partnership, she has helped lead efforts to connect individuals and families with housing assistance, supportive services, and resources designed to create long-term stability.

Her community leadership gained particular attention following Hurricane Maria in 2017, when thousands of displaced Puerto Rican families relocated to Central Florida. Downey and her organization helped coordinate assistance and housing support for more than 700 individuals and families affected by the disaster.

In 2019, she was recognized by the Orlando Sentinel as a Central Floridian of the Year for her contributions to the community.

Throughout her career, Downey has also advocated for collaboration among government agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and community leaders to address housing and economic challenges.

Affordable housing and responsible growth among top priorities

During her campaign, Downey emphasized the need to make Osceola County more affordable for working families, seniors, and residents struggling with rising housing costs.

Her priorities include expanding affordable and attainable housing, encouraging responsible development, improving transportation infrastructure, supporting local businesses, and creating opportunities for economic growth.

Downey has also stressed the importance of ensuring that new development is accompanied by adequate roads, public services, schools, and other infrastructure necessary to support the county’s growing population.

Her experience serving on Osceola County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee has provided her with additional insight into local housing challenges and potential solutions.

Beyond housing, Downey has expressed support for strengthening arts and cultural opportunities, protecting community character, and promoting sustainable development that balances economic growth with residents’ quality of life.

Downey thanks voters following Election Night victory

Following her victory, Downey expressed gratitude to the residents who supported her campaign and reflected on the conversations she had with voters throughout District 4.

“Throughout this campaign, I’ve knocked on thousands of doors and heard firsthand what matters most to our neighbors: affordable housing, responsible growth, safer communities and a county where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” Downey said.

“I’m grateful to my family, my incredible volunteers and everyone who helped make this moment possible. I look forward to serving Osceola County.”

Her victory comes as Osceola County continues to experience substantial population growth, bringing increased attention to housing affordability, transportation improvements, infrastructure investment, and the availability of essential services.

New leadership on the Osceola County Commission

Downey’s election also marks a transition for District 4 following Grieb’s 12 years of service on the County Commission.

She will join a board that includes District 2 Commissioner Viviana Janer, who secured a fourth term Tuesday with nearly 69% of the vote.

As Downey prepares to take office, she will move from advocating for community needs through nonprofit leadership to helping make countywide decisions involving development, infrastructure, public safety, housing, and economic investment.

Her election places a longtime community advocate in a position to help guide policies affecting residents throughout District 4 and Osceola County.

For Downey, the next chapter will be an opportunity to bring her experience in housing, community partnerships, and public service to county government, with a focus on building an Osceola County where families can afford to live, businesses can grow, and communities can thrive.

Election results are unofficial and remain subject to certification by the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections.