Who We Are
Friends of Austin Arthur is not a political party organization. It is a community-based group made up of neighbors, small-business owners, nonprofit leaders, veterans, parents, and long-time West Orange residents who believe in principled leadership, local accountability, and service above self. The group formed organically during Austin Arthur’s 2024 run for Orange County Commission, District 1, and remains active as a network of supporters who value integrity, transparency, and community-driven leadership.

A Historic Campaign in Orange County, Florida
In August 2024, Austin Arthur ran one of the most closely contested local races in Orange County history.

Out of a district with approximately 285,000 residents, the election was decided by just two votes, making it the closest election ever recorded in Orange County. Running as a grassroots, community-focused candidate, Arthur came within two votes of unseating an incumbent commissioner.

The campaign was widely regarded as historic not only because of the margin, but because it demonstrated the strength of independent, locally driven support in a district long influenced by entrenched political structures.

What Austin Arthur's Campaign Stood For

Supporters rallied around Austin Arthur’s emphasis on:

• Infrastructure-first growth and responsible planning

• Traffic solutions and long-term transportation improvements

• Protection of green spaces and local bodies of water

• Fiscal responsibility and budget discipline

• Support for public safety, first responders, and veterans

• Preservation of historic neighborhoods and community character
  
  

These priorities resonated strongly with voters across West Orange County and helped drive one of the most competitive local races in recent memory.

Beyond the Campaign
Beyond electoral politics, Austin Arthur remains deeply engaged in business leadership, nonprofit service, and civic life across Orange County, Florida. He currently serves as President of West Orange Habitat for Humanity, where he oversees long-term strategy, community partnerships, and expansion initiatives focused on attainable homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, and veteran housing efforts.

Arthur also serves as Chair of the Executive Committee for the I AM Children’s Museum, a literacy- and education-based children’s museum initiative being developed in Central Florida through Eight Waves Children and Family Services. In this role, he is leading efforts to bring Orange County its first comprehensive children’s museum centered on early learning, family engagement, and community access.

In addition to these leadership roles, Arthur is Chairman of Challenge 22 to End Veteran Suicide, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and support for veterans and their families. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Lift Disability Network, which works to connect individuals with disabilities to education, employment, and meaningful community participation.

Arthur serves on numerous boards and committees, including the Winter Garden Architectural Review and Historic Preservation Board, Eight Waves Children and Family Services, Central Florida YMCA, Linkmen Community Outreach, and the West Orange Scholarship Foundation. He is an active member of the West Orange Chamber of Commerce, a supporter and member of Friends of Lake Apopka, and other civic and environmental organizations focused on responsible growth, infrastructure readiness, and environmental stewardship.

Arthur lives in Orange County, Florida, with his wife, Kellie, and their children, and remains actively involved in church and community life. His work across nonprofit leadership and civic institutions is informed by a faith-based commitment to service, personal responsibility, and stewardship. Through continued engagement in family, faith, and local institutions, Arthur maintains a long-term focus on strengthening neighborhoods, protecting local resources, and expanding opportunity across Central Florida.