Hill beats Lynum in race for Orlando City Council District 5 seat

ORLANDO, Fla. — Regina Hill beat Juan Lynum for the Orlando City Council District 5 seat in Tuesday's runoff election.
 
The Orange County Supervisor of Elections website reported that of the 2,151 votes cast, Hill took 54.53 percent of the vote to Juan Lynum's 45.47 percent.

Despite the fact that Hill is a convicted felon, she defeated Juan Lynum, whose mother, Daisy Lynum, has held the District 5 seat since 1998.      
 
Hill told Channel 9's Ryan Hughes that she has picked herself up and moved on with her life.
 
The political newcomer celebrated her victory at a local AMVETS post.
 
"I worked on a campaign before but I never ran," Hill said.
 
Hill has an extensive criminal history. She has been arrested more than 20 times over the years. But she told Hughes that the past doesn't matter.
 
"It tells me that the people of District 5 wanted a change. That they believe in second chances," said Hill.
 
Juan Lynum would not comment on camera after the results were in, but on his Facebook page he wrote: "This was not our time, but it is time we support the people's choice."
 
Hill's supporters were elated with her victory.
 
"Once I heard she was running for District 5 I jumped right on board," said Hill supporter Charles Tomlin.
 
"This proves tonight that the people in the community wanted someone they could relate to.  Regina is the one they could relate to," said Hill supporter David Rucker.
 
Hill said she will try to combat homelessness in her district and said she wants to work with nearby venues to bring jobs to the area as well.
 
"Do you have a message for Mr. Lynum tonight?" Hughes asked Hill after her celebration.
 
"That I wish him well in his endeavors," she said.
 
"Anything to his mother?" Hughes asked.
 
"I wish her well in her retirement," said Hill.
 
Hill takes office next month.

WFTV