Ruling leaves former Commissioner Mike Gelin positioned to reclaim his District 2 seat as election officials prepare to notify voters of his opponent’s disqualification.
by Legacy Editorial Staff
TAMARAC, Fla. — A Broward County judge has disqualified Morey Wright Jr. from the race for Tamarac City Commission District 2 after determining that he failed to meet mandatory candidate qualifying requirements, according to an announcement Wednesday, Oct. 14, from the campaign of former Commissioner Mike Gelin.
The ruling marks a significant development in the race, potentially clearing the way for Gelin, who represented District 2 until 2022, to return to the City Commission.
According to Gelin’s campaign, the court found that Wright failed to properly complete several required election documents. The deficiencies included omitted or incomplete information on campaign forms and issues involving the appointment necessary to authorize Wright to sign his qualifying-fee check.
“I agree with the judge’s decision,” Gelin said. “The court carefully considered the evidence and the law and concluded that my opponent did not properly qualify. Completing the required forms and meeting the legal requirements is a responsibility every candidate must take seriously. Residents deserve that basic level of accountability from anyone seeking to represent them.”
Under the Oct. 14 order, the Broward County Supervisor of Elections must notify affected voters that Wright has been disqualified and that votes cast for him will not count.
Because ballots have already been printed, both candidates’ names will remain on the ballot, creating an unusual situation in which voters will still see Wright’s name despite his disqualification.
Gelin said the ruling reinforces the importance of holding all candidates to the same legal standards, regardless of political affiliation or experience.
“Every person who wants to run for public office in Florida is obligated to meet the same statutory requirements that apply to their candidacy,” Gelin said. “I complied with those requirements, along with thousands of other candidates across our state. My opponent had the same responsibility. The rules have to apply to all of us.”
Beyond the legal dispute, Gelin described his campaign as an opportunity to reconnect with Tamarac residents and hear firsthand about the issues affecting their neighborhoods.
“I was prepared to earn this seat at the ballot box, and I was doing what I love — walking Tamarac neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and talking with residents,” Gelin said. “I enjoy those conversations. I want to hear what matters to people, what they need from their city, and where they believe we can do better.”
Gelin said many residents he encountered during the campaign were unable to identify their current city commissioner, an observation he believes underscores the need for greater visibility and accountability among elected officials.
He emphasized that residents should know who represents them, how to contact their elected officials and whether their concerns are being addressed.
“Serving this community means being present,” Gelin said. “It means answering the phone, showing up, and staying connected long after an election is over. I am excited about the opportunity to serve again, and I am grateful to every resident who has opened a door, shared a concern, or offered encouragement. Those conversations are why I do this work.”
The court’s decision has fundamentally changed the dynamics of the District 2 contest, shifting attention from the candidates’ competing campaigns to the consequences of Wright’s disqualification.
For Gelin, the ruling could pave the way for a return to elected office. For Tamarac voters, it underscores the importance of election rules, candidate accountability and the responsibility of those seeking public trust.
