ORLANDO, Fla. – A big local name is joining Orlando’s District 5 race.
Ericka Dunlap, who was crowned Miss America in 2004, officially launched her campaign on Friday.
Dunlap is one of several names among the growing list of candidates who will run in the May 21 special election to serve as interim Orlando city commissioner for District 5, which represents the communities of Parramore, the Mercy Drive area and into Metrowest.
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The election comes following the suspension of Commissioner Regina Hill, who was arrested in March on several charges including elderly exploitation. The person who wins the seat will serve until the current term ends, or until Hill’s criminal case is resolved.
Dunlap ran for the District 5 seat in 2017 but lost to Hill.
“District 5 is in need of healing and we need leadership that is able to effectively build bridges toward a better future for all residents,” Dunlap told News 6. “I intend to be that bridge toward a better future for all residents.”
Dunlap was the first African-American woman to win the Miss Florida title when she was crowned in 2003. She went on to compete and win the Miss America crown. She credits her successes in the beauty pageant industry all began in District 5.
According to a press release, Dunlap seeks to amplify her ongoing advocacy for her community in the areas of housing, public safety, education, healthcare, and local business development.
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