The Walt Disney Company is once again making headlines in Florida politics.
According to newly released campaign finance records, Disney Experiences contributed $100,000 to former U.S. Representative Stephanie Murphy’s campaign for Orange County mayor, marking what is believed to be the company’s largest-ever donation to a local political candidate.
The contribution, first reported by the Orlando Sentinel, underscores Disney’s continued interest in the political leadership of the county that is home to Walt Disney World. The company declined the newspaper’s request for comment.
Disney Makes Historic Local Donation
Murphy, a Democrat who represented Florida’s 7th Congressional District from 2017 through 2023, is one of four candidates seeking to replace outgoing Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings.
Disney’s $100,000 contribution helped Stephanie Murphy’s campaign expand an already sizable fundraising advantage. Her campaign has also received major financial support from former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, businessman J. Hyatt Brown, entrepreneur Beat Kähli, and Murphy’s Center Aisle PAC. Between her campaign committee and affiliated political committee, Murphy has reportedly raised more than $1 million.
Stephanie Murphy – Winter Park Chamber of Commerce, YouTube
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Murphy said the support reflects confidence in her priorities for the county.
“Everybody who has supported me has bought into this notion that we need to have affordability, livability and opportunity for people across this county,” Murphy said. “People who support me know exactly what I’m about and they’re supporting me because they understand that is something this community needs.”
Other Candidates Question Disney’s Support
Disney’s contribution to Stephanie Murphy’s campaign has quickly become a point of discussion in the race.
Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe suggested the company backed Murphy because of disagreements over her own efforts to reduce the tourism industry’s influence on county government. Orange County Clerk of the Courts Tiffany Moore Russell also expressed surprise—calling the amount “shocking”—after previously speaking with Disney representatives before learning the company had chosen to support Murphy instead.
SPaceship Earth and the EPCOT fountain – Photo Credit: Follow The Bradleys’ Fun
Republican candidate Chris Messina has raised substantially less than his Democratic opponents.
Nearly $3 million has reportedly been raised across all four campaigns, making it one of the most expensive Orange County mayoral races in recent history. The primary election is scheduled for August 18, with a November runoff if no candidate secures an outright majority.
Disney Has Billions Tied to Central Florida
While Disney has not explained the reasoning behind its contribution, the company has enormous financial interests tied to Orange County.
Following years of legal disputes with Florida over the former Reedy Creek Improvement District, as well as political conflict over DEI initiatives and the state-sponsored curriculum, Disney reached a costly settlement with the state. The company has since received approval for a long-term development agreement that could allow Disney to invest up to $17 billion in Walt Disney World over the next two decades.
Those plans include new attractions, hotels, and infrastructure projects that will require ongoing coordination with state and local governments.
The contribution also comes during a period of transition for Disney Experiences, following Thomas Mazloum’s promotion to chairman earlier this year after Josh D’Amaro became Disney’s CEO. Some had speculated that under new under leadership, and after the fallout of the 2024 settlement, Disney might distance itself from Florida politics.
Thomas Mazloum in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland – YouTube, Disney Travel Professionals
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So far, that does not seem to be the case.
Whether or not the contribution becomes a major issue in the campaign, Disney’s six-figure donation serves as another reminder that Disney remains one of the most influential political and economic forces in Central Florida.
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