Dr. Karen Castor Dentel was elected Orange County Supervisor of Elections on November 5, 2024. A lifelong Floridian and dedicated public servant, she has spent over 25 years serving Orange County as a public school teacher, state legislator, and school board member. She represented her community in the Florida House of Representatives (2012-2014) and on the Orange County School Board (2018-2024).
Born into a family deeply committed to public service, Karen followed in the footsteps of her parents—her mother, a former Commissioner of Education, and her father, a County Court Judge. Her siblings also serve as County Court Judge and U.S. Representative.
“Community service is part of my DNA,” Supervisor Castor Dentel said. “I’m ready to get to work running safe and secure elections, increasing voter participation, and maintaining a nationally recognized elections office.”
In addition to her elected roles, Karen has volunteered with organizations like Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, the Junior League, and the League of Women Voters. She holds degrees from Vanderbilt University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida.
Karen’s two children attended Orange County public schools, reflecting her lifelong dedication to public education and her community.
*Bio taken from the "About Us" section of ocfelections.gov