KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The qualifying period for local offices officially closed Friday, setting the stage for several competitive races across Osceola County ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Candidates seeking county, school board, municipal, and judicial offices have now secured their places on the ballot, while several incumbents won reelection without opposition.
Among the most closely watched contests will be the race for Osceola County Commission District 2, where incumbent Commissioner Viviana Janer, a Democrat, will face Republican challenger, and former Mayor of Kissimmee Olga Gonzalez. Janer enters the race with a significant fundraising advantage, reporting more than $80,000 in campaign contributions.
The race for County Commission District 4 features a crowded field. Democrats Mary Downey, Jose Gonzalez, and Rafael A. Lebron have qualified, while Republicans Nelly Hernandez and Donald A. Shroyer will compete for their party’s nomination. Candidate Chris Mack did not qualify for the ballot.
Voters will also decide several seats on the Osceola County School Board.
With two-term School Board member Teresa Castillo stepping down from her District 1 position, voters will choose between former District 1 representative Jay Wheeler, who served on the board from 2004 through 2018, and former Celebration Community Development District Chairman Greg Filak.
Two School Board members secured reelection without opposition. Heather Kahoun was unopposed in District 4, while Paula Bronson was unopposed in District 5.
Several judicial races were decided without opposition. Celia Thacker Dorn (County Judge Group 1), Stefania Jancewicz (County Judge Group 3), and Juna Pulayya (County Judge Group 4) were all unopposed and will retain their seats.
In the City of Kissimmee, voters will choose representatives for two City Commission seats.
For Seat 2, the race will feature Deputy Mayor Angela Eady and Wanda Román after other candidates either withdrew or failed to qualify.
The contest for Kissimmee City Commission Seat 4 is shaping up to be one of the city’s most competitive races, with Rubin Anderson, Maria Virginia Garcia, Tiffany N. Jeffers, and incumbent Janette Martinez all qualifying for the ballot.
In St. Cloud, Council Member Ken Gilbert was reelected to Seat 4 without opposition. The race for City Council Seat 5 will feature Jim Moore, Alex Rodriguez, and Kirk Zilke.
In addition to these high-profile races, voters in numerous communities throughout Osceola County will elect members to Community Development Districts and other special district governing boards.
The upcoming election season is expected to bring increased attention to issues including growth management, transportation, public safety, property taxes, education, and economic development as candidates begin campaigning throughout the county.
The Primary Election is scheduled for August 18, with the General Election set for November 3. Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and review sample ballots through the Osceola County Supervisor of Elections Office.
