Meet Karen Castor Dentel
Karen Castor Dentel was elected Orange County Supervisor of Elections on November 5, 2024. A lifelong Floridian and energetic public servant, she has dedicated more than 25 years to serving the Orange County community as a public school teacher, state legislator, and school board member.
Inspired by her parents’ deep commitment to their community, Karen has built a career centered on education, civic engagement, and service to others. Her mother served as Florida’s Commissioner of Education, and her father served as a County Court Judge. That legacy of service continues throughout her family, including siblings who currently serve as a County Court Judge and a Representative in the U.S. Congress.
As Orange County Supervisor of Elections, Karen is focused on bringing democracy to life by creating an elections office that is accessible, transparent, innovative, and community-driven. In her first year in office, she successfully implemented new County Commission districts and completed countywide reprecincting efforts ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Under her leadership, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections Office has expanded early voting locations from 22 to 28, increased frontline staffing to better serve voters, launched the Office’s first Outreach Ambassador Program, and consistently visits local high schools to register and preregister the next generation of voters.
Karen has also prioritized finding creative ways to connect with the community and celebrate civic participation, including launching a “I Voted” sticker contest in partnership with Orange County Public Schools. The office is also currently working to open its first satellite location in West Orange County, helping bring election services even closer to voters.
Beyond her elected roles, Karen has remained deeply involved in the community through organizations including Junior League, League of Women Voters, and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. She earned degrees from Vanderbilt University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Florida. A proud mother of two graduates of Orange County Public Schools, Karen continues to lead with the belief that strong communities are built through accessible education and civic participation.
