Rick Singh lands union, public safety backing in race for Orange County Clerk

Orange County Clerk of Court candidate Rick Singh has landed backing from a union and a public safety official, with endorsements from former Orlando Fire Chief Roderick Williams and from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 78.

Singh, the former Orange County Property Appraiser, is running to replace incumbent Tiffany Moore Russell, who is not seeking re-election due to term limits and is instead running for Orange County Mayor.

Williams served 23 years with the Orlando Fire Department and was Chief from 2015 until 2019, when he resigned amid sexual harassment allegations he denies.

“Chief Williams dedicated decades of his life to protecting our community and leading the Orlando Fire Department. To earn the support of someone who understands leadership, public service, and accountability is truly meaningful,” Singh said of Williams’ endorsement.

“As your Clerk of Court, I will bring the same commitment to integrity, efficiency, transparency, and customer service that I demonstrated as Orange County Property Appraiser. Thank you, Chief Williams, for your confidence and your support. Together, we’ll build a Clerk’s Office that serves every citizen with professionalism, respect, and excellence. Experience Matters. Ready on Day One.”

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades District Council 78 represents craft workers and public employees, and offers training in painting, glazing and event decorating. The group fights for living wages, health and retirement benefits and for diversity, equity and inclusion.

“My sincere thanks to President Richie Jones, the Executive Board, and every member of District Council 78 for your confidence, trust, and support. Your endorsement means so much because it comes from the hardworking men and women who build our communities, strengthen our economy, and represent the very best of organized labor,” Singh said.

“As a U.S. Army veteran, former Orange County Property Appraiser, and small business owner, I have dedicated my career to accountability, integrity, and public service. I know the value of hard work, and I share the same commitment to excellence that your members demonstrate every day.”

Singh is running against term-limited Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gomez Cordero, real estate agent Terrell Thomas, and Roberta Walton Johnson, who is the General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Circuit and County Courts. He faces Cordero and Walton Johnson in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary. The winner will face Thomas, an independent candidate, in the November General Election.

The Clerk of Courts is currently paid $217,979 a year.

The race is one of several races on the ballot in Central Florida as county voters decide on a new county Mayor, County Commissioners, School Board members and judges.

The latest endorsements build on support Singh has already earned from the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police and FOP District 7 and the Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Political Operations Division.