As Orange County prepares for the 2026 mayoral election, Horizon West Happening is providing residents with opportunities to hear directly from the candidates seeking to lead our county.
Our goal is to provide a platform for voters to learn more about the individuals seeking public office and to make informed decisions based on information shared directly by the candidates themselves.
Stephanie Murphy is a former U.S. Congresswoman, businesswoman, and mother who has announced her candidacy for Orange County Mayor. In this interview, we sat down with Murphy to discuss her personal story, her perspective on the future of communities like Horizon West, and the priorities she believes are important for Orange County residents.
The following interview has been edited for length, clarity, and readability while preserving the substance and intent of the candidate’s responses.
HWH: For residents who may know your name but not your story, can you share a little about your background and what inspired you to run for Orange County Mayor?
Stephanie Murphy:
I’m running for Orange County Mayor because I believe our community is at an inflection point. Public service has always been about getting results for me, and I think this moment calls for leadership that has a clear vision for our future and the ability to bring people together to make that vision a reality.
Orange County is already a great place to live, but as we continue to grow, that growth has to work for the people who live here, not just the people who visit here.
My family’s story is a big part of why I feel so strongly about public service. My family escaped communist Vietnam when I was just six months old. We were rescued by the U.S. Navy while adrift at sea and eventually resettled in America. My parents worked multiple jobs to provide opportunities for our family. Because of their sacrifices, I became the first woman in my family to attend college.
After the September 11 attacks, I left my private-sector career to attend graduate school and work at the Department of Defense. Later, after the Pulse tragedy here in Central Florida, I ran for Congress and helped secure funding to combat gun violence.
I often say my story could only happen in America. One generation arrived with hope, and the next generation was given opportunity. I want Orange County to continue providing that opportunity for future generations.
HWH: Horizon West is one of the fastest-growing communities in Orange County and across the nation. What excites you most about the future of communities like Horizon West?
Stephanie Murphy:
I love the concept of live-work-play communities. When development is thoughtfully planned, residents can enjoy a high quality of life close to home while reducing some of the traffic and congestion that comes with rapid growth.
Communities like Horizon West allow us to create places with character where neighbors know each other and families can truly put down roots. They also help support the goals I often talk about: creating communities that are affordable, livable, and full of opportunity.
As exciting as that growth is, it also requires government to keep pace. That means improving permitting processes, delivering infrastructure projects on time, and ensuring roads and public services are built alongside development. If we don’t move quickly enough, inflation and delays make those projects more expensive and more difficult to complete.
HWH: Parks, trails, recreation, and gathering spaces are a big part of what makes a community feel like home. How do you see those amenities contributing to Orange County’s future?
Stephanie Murphy:
They are absolutely essential to quality of life.
I answer that question not just as a public servant, but as a mom. A lot of our weekends are spent at soccer fields, parks, and fishing spots. These spaces give families opportunities to spend time together, stay active, and enjoy everything that makes Florida special.
We have a responsibility to preserve our natural environment while also creating access to it through parks, trails, recreational facilities, and public spaces.
I also think these spaces play an important role for young people. Today’s kids spend a tremendous amount of time on devices. Parks, sports, recreation programs, and community gathering spaces provide opportunities to build friendships, develop teamwork, learn sportsmanship, and create memories that last a lifetime.
HWH: One topic that often comes up in conversations with local families is the need for affordable, welcoming gathering places for teens and young adults. What are your thoughts on the importance of these “third spaces” within a community?
Stephanie Murphy:
I think that’s an incredibly important conversation.
When I was growing up, we had places like malls, community gathering spots, and affordable activities where young people could spend time together in a safe environment. Many families today struggle to find those same opportunities because entertainment and activities have become so expensive.
I also think safe after-school environments remain critically important. Many working families need places where children and teens can spend time productively between the end of the school day and when parents return home from work.
Communities benefit when young people have opportunities to build friendships, develop independence, and connect with others in positive ways. It’s an area worth exploring as Orange County continues to grow.
HWH: What role do local community organizations, small businesses, and engaged residents play in shaping a strong community?
Stephanie Murphy:
They are truly the heart of a healthy community and a healthy democracy.
Local organizations, especially local media and community information sources, help create a shared understanding of what’s happening around us. As local newspapers have declined, many communities have lost those common touchpoints that help neighbors stay informed and connected.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. I’m married to an entrepreneur, my brother is an entrepreneur, and I’ve spent years mentoring women-owned businesses. I understand the challenges that come with running a business and the impact that bureaucratic delays can have on entrepreneurs trying to achieve their dreams.
And engaged residents are essential. The most dangerous thing for democracy is disengagement. We need residents who participate, provide feedback, hold elected officials accountable, and help shape the future of their communities.
When local organizations, small businesses, and residents all work together, that’s when communities truly thrive.
HWH: Looking ahead, what message would you like to share directly with Horizon West residents about the future of our community and Orange County as a whole?
Stephanie Murphy:
Orange County is already a world-class destination, but it also needs to be a world-class community for the people who live here.
As we continue to grow, we’re facing challenges related to housing affordability, infrastructure, and traffic congestion. We need leadership that is focused on solving those problems and delivering results.
I’m not running to manage the status quo. I’m running because I believe Orange County can be an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and pursue opportunity. We have incredible strengths as a community, and if we make the right decisions today, our future is incredibly bright.
Closing
Thank you to Stephanie Murphy for taking the time to participate in this conversation with Horizon West Happening.
As Election Day approaches, we encourage residents to learn about all candidates seeking public office, review their positions and qualifications, and engage in the civic process. An informed and engaged community is essential to the future of both Horizon West and Orange County.
Editorial Disclaimer
Horizon West Happening is a nonpartisan community media organization.
The publication of this interview does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or opposition to any candidate, campaign, political party, or ballot initiative.
This interview is intended solely as an informational resource for residents. The views, opinions, and statements expressed by the candidate are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Horizon West Happening, its staff, contributors, advertisers, sponsors, or partners.
We encourage all residents to independently research candidates, engage with multiple sources of information, and participate in the electoral process.
