Worrell nabs Orange-Osceola State Attorney post in hotly contested race

LAKE MARY, Fla. - State Rep. Monique Worrell won a hotly contested bid for Ninth Circuit State Attorney to replace Aramis Ayala.  

Worrell defeated retired judge Belvin Perry Jr., who had garnered the endorsement of a number of local officials, including Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings. Worrell’s campaign also had a large cash infusion, backed by billionaire investor George Soros, the Orlando Sentinel reports.

In a Facebook post shortly after her win, Worrell wrote:

“I have submitted my case for reform to the jury. They ruled in my favor! God is good! Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who bet on me! You have no idea what this moment means for our state, to this movement, and to me.

"This victory is for every brown girl who was told she couldn’t. Who was lied on. Who was told it wouldn’t happen. Who was told she was too inexperienced. Who had the doors shut just for god to open them right back up. This is for you. This is for us. This is for Orlando. This is for REFORM!”

The Ninth Circuit is comprised of Orange and Osceola counties.

Incumbent Orange County Sheriff John Mina was poised to win his primary election on Tuesday night with a nearly 40% lead over his nearest challenger Andrew Darling.  

Embattled District 1 Commissioner Betsy VanderLey lost to challenger Nichole Wilson by a margin of roughly 14%.. Orange County property appraiser Rick Singh, an incumbent, was on track to be unseated by State Rep. Amy Mercado.