ORLANDO, Fla. – Former Miss America Ericka Dunlap plans to challenge Orlando District 5 Commissioner Regina Hill for her seat in the 2017 election.
The University of Central Florida graduate will kick off her campaign with a private meet and greet Tuesday evening.
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Dunlap is among other challengers for the commissioner’s seat. Hill was first elected in 2014. Cynthia Harris, Jibreel Ali and the Rev. Stovelleo Stovall will also vie for Hill’s seat.
Dunlap, who was crowned Miss Florida in 2003 and later Miss America in 2004, launched her official campaign website outlining her platform.
In an interview with News 6, Dunlap said she feels strongly she is the right person to represent District 5 in the city she calls a "beautiful diverse metropolis" because she lived there a majority of her life.
She said she thinks of it as a "return on investment" to Orlando for what the residents have given her for more than 30 years.
Dunlap credits local leaders as her inspiration to run as well.
Among them, is civil-rights leader Nelson Pinder, who became the first black Episcopalian pastor in Orlando.
“He was popular in a time when black (people) in Orlando weren’t really given the opportunities,” Dunlap said, “He was the father of the civil rights movement in Orlando.”
Dunlap, a singer who has performed at the Grande Ole Opry, said she wants to make sure the talents of local artists and athletes are amplified.
"Give these people the platform they deserve," she said. "So many people never get the chance to showcase their talent."
Dunlap also said she knows there is work to be done in the west side of the district, including Parramore.
"I want to be able to support the smart and sensible and responsible transition of Parramore," Dunlap said. "It's an extremely viable and necessary part of the history in Orlando."
"We have to do more than talk, we have to work and do more with the community," Dunlap said.
People might not always have the best notions of beauty pageants, Dunlap said, but she said being Miss America prepared her for an elected position.
Dunlap said acting as a Miss America ambassador, she "listened to people who are not normally listened to," and wants to continue that in District 5.
"Yeah, I want world peace and there's nothing wrong with that," Dunlap said. " We could use a little peace."
District 5 includes the areas surrounding Amway Center, the Dr. Phillips Center for Performing Arts and Camping World Stadium and the neighborhoods of Parramore, Rock Lake, Malibu, Clear Lake, Bunche Manor, Lake Mann, Ivey Lane, Lake Sunset, the Willows and the Mercy Drive Corridor.
Hill’s seat is one of several Orange County elected offices that will be up for grabs this year. Orlando Districts 1, 2 and 5's election date is Nov. 7. A special election was held Jan. 24 for the Winter Garden district 3 commissioner seat. In March, Eatonville, Belle Island, Edgewood, Maitland, Windemere and Winter Garden have local elections.
The Orlando District 3 seat race, which includes the neighborhoods of College Park and Baldwin Park, is also beginning to garner candidates.
Real estate attorney Asima Azam filed paperwork to run in District 3, reported the Orlando Sentinel.
Commissioner Robert Stuart currently holds the seat; if re-elected, this would be his fourth term.