WINDERMERE, Fla. — The City of Windermere is ready to welcome a brand new mayor and a refreshed city council after the native qualifying interval concluded Friday, with no opposing candidates rising for the open seats.
Andy Williams, a present city council member and lifelong resident, will ascend to the mayor’s workplace. Williams’ transition to the position was secured after incumbent Mayor Jim O’Brien opted to not search one other time period.
The shift represents a political victory for native conservatives, with the Orange County Republican Government Committee celebrating it as a “Republican flip” within the city’s high management place.
REPUBLICAN FLIP! Congratulations to Andy Williams, the subsequent Mayor of the City of Windermere. Widespread sense management, fiscal conservatism, and a dedication to American values. Wishing you nice success as you serve the group! pic.twitter.com/4vrVI1XGG4
— Orange GOP (@GOPOrange) January 12, 2026
Williams is a fifth-generation resident of the city. His household has a protracted historical past of public service within the space; his grandfather and namesake, Loren Robertson “Andy” Williams, beforehand served as Windermere’s mayor.
Professionally, Williams is a founding accomplice and dealer at Lakeside Realty Windermere and has served in town council since March 2018. The Orange County GOP praised his upcoming tenure, citing a concentrate on “widespread sense management” and “fiscal conservatism.”
As a result of the candidates ran unopposed, a proper election is not going to be required to fill the three out there council seats. The next modifications will take impact:
- Council seat transition: CT Allen, a outstanding group volunteer and longtime resident, will step into the council seat vacated by Williams. Allen is well-known regionally for her work with the Mustang Schooling Fund and for co-founding the Windermere Wine & Dine fundraiser.
- Incumbent retention: Brandi Haines will stay in her seat on the council. Haines was initially appointed in late 2023 to fill a emptiness left by Molly Rose and subsequently ran unopposed to retain the place.
City council members in Windermere serve two-year phrases.
