Buddy Dyer

John Hugh "Buddy" Dyer (born August 7, 1958) is an American politician who has served as the Mayor of Orlando since 2003. A member of the Florida Democratic Party, he is Orlando's longest-serving mayor. He previously served as a representative for Orlando in the Florida State Senate from 1992 to 2002, with the last two years serving as the Senate Democratic leader. Early life and education Dyer was born in 1958 in Orlando. He grew up in nearby Kissimmee, graduating from Osceola High School. He began his political career after serving as an attorney and lawyer following his graduations from Brown University and the University of Florida College of Law. Florida Senate (1992–2002) Dyer's first run for political office was for Kissimmee City Council, which he lost. In 1992 for Florida's State Senate district 14, which consisted of Orlando and Sanford, Florida. Dyer had two Democratic primary opponents, Candice "Candy" Crawford (sister of former Florida Agriculture Commissioner Bob Crawford and political pundit Craig Crawford) and Tim Adams, a local business owner. Dyer won the primary, but failed to get the 50% needed to avoid a runoff. Dyer received 44% of the vote, while Crawford received 39%. Adams received 17% and was eliminated. The runoff between Dyer and Crawford was concentrated in Orlando's African-American communities. Dyer received the support of many of the local churches as well as the endorsement of Tim Adams and Dotti Wynn (loser of the district's Republican primary), while Crawford relied on State Representative Alzo Reddick. Dyer won the runoff 54% to 44%. He continued to the general election, where he faced Republican Steve DeMino, which he won with 56% of the vote.