TAMPA, Fla. — Former Tampa City Councilmember Orlando Gudes is dropping out of the race for District 5, he said in a statement.
Gudes said he was fighting the interpretation by the city clerk that residency relies on voter registration, rather than where a person physically lives.
The former councilmember sent ABC Action News a statement saying, in part, “the financial and logistical strain of pursuing it during a condensed campaign timeline is not prudent. These past two years have been stormy, but I kept the faith and stayed strong for my family, friends, and community— as a faithful servant leader. Thank you to everyone who stood by me. The fight for justice, equity, and transparency is far from over. I will continue to serve and support my community in any way I can."
Gudes lost his seat to Gwendolyn Henderson back in 2023.
Wimauma pastor deported to Guatemala, leaving church and family reeling
After living in the U.S. for more than two decades and leading a congregation of nearly 50, 42-year-old Maurilio Ambrocio was deported last week.
