PHOTO VIA ROGER CHAPIN FACEBOOK PAGE
Roger Chapin (Website) has won the closely contested runoff election for Orlando City Council’s District 3 seat, earning 3,884 votes (51.3%) to challenger Mira Tanna’s 3,684 (48.7%), according to unofficial results released Tuesday evening.
The result ends a dramatic campaign that began in early November, when a five-way race for the open seat, vacated by longtime commissioner Robert Stuart, left Chapin and Tanna separated by just 13 votes. Neither reached the 50% threshold, which triggered the December 9 runoff.
District 3 covers much of north-central Orlando, including the neighborhoods of College Park, Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Rosemont, and surrounding communities.
Chapin, a longtime local businessman and civic board veteran, touted his experience on influential bodies like the Municipal Planning Board, Downtown Development Board, and Orlando Utilities Commission, arguing he could “hit the ground running.” His campaign stressed public-safety investments, infrastructure improvements, managed growth, and efficient city services.
Tanna ran a grassroots, equity-focused campaign, highlighting expanded transit, affordable housing, safer streets, and inclusive civic engagement as her core platform points. She issued a graceful concession, congratulating Chapin and thanking supporters for their energy and commitment.
Chapin will take office in January and serve a four-year term.
