Newly minted Orange County Elections Supervisor Glen Gilzean says he’s “laser-focused” on running secure elections but isn’t saying whether he intends to quit his job with the Disney oversight district or plot a new course in Central Florida politics.
In an email, Gilzean said he is awaiting “direction” from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District’s board on his future there. He also isn’t revealing whether he intends to run for elections supervisor in November.
“Right now, my focus is being the most effective supervisor of elections I can be while serving the citizens of Orange County, and ensuring the current elections are secure and seamless while providing the utmost transparency to the public,” he said. “As for CFTOD, I’ve informed the chair and am awaiting direction from the board during this time to ensure the transition is seamless. I know the district is in competent hands.”
DeSantis appointed Gilzean, a Republican political ally, as Orange elections chief on Monday, filling a vacancy created when longtime Democratic supervisor Bill Cowles retired in January.
Gilzean’s appointment will be in effect until the election winner in November takes office in January 2025.
The DeSantis-appointed tourism oversight board hired Gilzean in May as its administrator, a post that pays $400,000 a year. The elections supervisor position pays $205,000.
Tourism oversight officials have not responded to questions about whether Gilzean has submitted a letter of resignation or requested a leave of absence.
In a Facebook post, Gilzean wrote that Paula Hoisington, deputy district administrator, will serve as acting district administrator at the tourism oversight district during his “unavailability.”
Gilzean isn’t saying whether he’ll run for elections supervisor. He’ll face a tough political path in Democratic-friendly Orange County. President Joe Biden won the county with 61% of the vote in 2020.
“Right now I’m laser-focused on fulfilling the duties of the supervisor of elections, getting through the current election, and making sure I serve the voters of Orange County effectively and efficiently,” Gilzean said.
