Five former Orange County commissioners announced Monday that they are endorsing Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore for mayor of Apopka, adding to a growing list of supporters ahead of the April 14 runoff election. 

The endorsers – Rod Love, Dr. Robert B. Sindler, Victoria Siplin, Betsy VanderLey and Scott Boyd – cited Moore’s leadership, collaboration and record of delivering results, according to a news release from her campaign. 

Love served briefly as interim District 2 commissioner in 2018 after then-Commissioner Bryan Nelson stepped down to run for Apopka mayor. Moore, who represented District 7 on the Orange County School Board, left that position to run for commissioner and was elected to the seat later that year.  

“Commissioner Christine Moore understands that a strong Apopka means taking care of our seniors, supporting small businesses, and investing in children,” Love said. “She is committed to protecting senior independence, helping businesses grow without unnecessary bureaucracy, [and] creating safer environments where children can thrive.” 

Love said he was endorsing Moore because of her leadership skills. 

“She also recognizes the importance of responsible leadership – working to address rising city water costs, mitigating property tax increases, and strengthening public safety. Christine Moore brings the experience, compassion, and leadership Apopka needs. I proudly support her for Mayor of Apopka.” 

Sindler, who represented District 2 from 1998 to 2006, pointed to Moore’s environmental and infrastructure work. 

“I heartily endorse Commissioner Christine Moore for Mayor of the City of Apopka,” Sindler said. “She is deeply committed to completing our trail system and using the West Orange Trail as the catalyst to revitalize downtown Apopka. Her commitment to the environment such as the county purchasing conservation lands and increasing county park lands is exemplary. She dedicated years of work on septic-to-sewer conversions to protect our water quality and Class I Springs.” 

Siplin, who represented District 6 from 2014 to 2018, said she worked alongside Moore on issues affecting Pine Hills and affordable housing policy. 

“Commissioner Moore and I shared responsibility for the Pine Hills area. Together, we worked to improve infrastructure, protect our citizens, and add much needed services,” Siplin said. “Since my departure, I have collaborated with Moore on upgrading county policy offering faith-based organizations with larger land holdings the opportunity to build affordable housing.” 

VanderLey, who represented District 1 from 2016 to 2024, highlighted Moore’s efforts to secure infrastructure funding. 

“I represented West Orange County and always appreciated how Commissioner Moore worked diligently to bring funding and services back to her district, most notable are the $125 million septic-to-sewer projects,” VanderLey said. “She was a quick study and strategic in her governance style, which has proven to be a great benefit to her constituents.” 

Boyd, who represented District 1 from 2008 to 2016, cited Moore’s approach to decision-making. 

“Having worked with Commissioner Moore on school zoning issues, I was impressed with her collegiality and ability to listen to all constituents prior to making decisions,” Boyd said. “I recommend Christine Moore for Mayor of Apopka.” 

The endorsements follow a February endorsement from the Florida Republican Assembly – Orange County Chapter, whose members voted unanimously to support Moore’s candidacy. 

“Christine Moore is a proven leader of integrity and results – a respected voice in the community and exactly the kind of principled, battle-tested leader Apopka needs as its next mayor,” chapter president Lou Marin said in a letter to the campaign. 

Moore said she is grateful for the support. 

“I am grateful for the support of these outstanding and accomplished county commissioners,” Moore said. “Serving collaboratively has resulted in much success for county residents. It takes collegiality, patience, and persistence to make progress in our community. It was my honor to work alongside them.” 

This latest round of endorsements comes on the heels of last week’s announcements, when Orange County Sheriff John Mina and seven former Orange County School Board members — Bill Sublette, Linda Kobert, Kathleen “Kat” Gordon, Joie Cadle, Pam Gould, Daryl Flynn and Nancy Robbinson — endorsed Moore. The group served alongside Moore during her tenure from 2008 to 2018.  

Moore has also previously announced endorsements from former interim City Administrator Chuck Vavrek and former Director of Public Works Momtaz Barq. 

Moore faces Apopka City Commissioner Nick Nesta in the April 14 mayoral runoff election, which was triggered after no candidate received a majority of votes in the March 10 general election. Nesta led the initial race with 3,365 votes (41.60%), followed by Moore with 2,576 votes (31.85%) and incumbent Mayor Bryan Nelson finished third with 2,148 votes (26.55%).