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The1998 Orange County, Florida, Chairman election took place on November 3, 1998, following a primary election on September 1, 1998. Incumbent ChairmanLinda Chapin was term-limited and barred from seeking a third consecutive term. Though the race was formally nonpartisan, two Republican candidates advanced to the general election. State SenatorJohn Ostalkiewicz played first in the primary with 41 percent of the vote, andOrlando Utilities Commission PresidentMel Martínez placed second with 40 percent. In the general election, Martínez defeated Ostalkiewicz in a landslide, winning 60 percent of the vote. However, halfway through Martínez's term, he would resign to becomeU.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | John Ostalkiewicz | 33,573 | 40.68% | |
| Nonpartisan | Mel Martínez | 32,982 | 39.96% | |
| Nonpartisan | Fran Pignone | 11,451 | 13.88% | |
| Nonpartisan | Alex Lamour | 3,274 | 3.97% | |
| Nonpartisan | Jim Newslow | 1,248 | 1.51% | |
| Total votes | 82,528 | 100.00% | ||
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Mel Martínez | 100,434 | 59.99% | |
| Nonpartisan | John Ostalkiewicz | 66,988 | 40.01% | |
| Total votes | 167,422 | 100.00% | ||
