6 days ago
Gudes ends bid for old job, Tampa city council race remains crowded
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — On Thursday, former Tampa Councilman Orlando Gudes filed a handwritten note officially withdrawing his name from the candidate pool to represent District 5. The seat was opened following the passing of Councilwoman Gwendolyn Henderson.
Community advocate Yvette Lewis is a well-known name in East Tampa, which makes up most of District 5.
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'We're looking for someone that can bring a voice of calm and a voice of peace,' Lewis said.
Lewis is also the president of the NAACP's Hillsborough County chapter. She was born and raised in that district. It's where she currently resides. The organization does not make political endorsements.
'We're also looking for someone who can actually have a working relationship with city administration because that's important as well,' Lewis said.
Gudes declined an on-camera interview. However, in a statement sent by the former candidate, he addressed previous claims over his conduct and political scandals during his time on council.
'Allegations were made attacking my character — allegations that I firmly deny and do not reflect the truth,' Gudes said.
As of the publishing of this story, 11 hopefuls remain in the race to replace the late councilwoman.
'District 5 is different. District 5 has highs and lows of income (and) different personalities here,' Lewis said.
A question over whether Gudes lives in the district was also raised, since his voter registration was recently updated.
In Tampa, council candidates must reside in the district for at least six months.
'I, on the other hand, interpreted the charter's residency requirement to where a person physically lives, not what is on the voter registration card or when it might have been updated,' Gudes said.
Candidate qualifying is not until next month. That's when voters know who will appear on the ballot. The election is set in September and a runoff, that's likely needed, will be in October.
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