Politics
2026 Women’s History Month Spotlight: The Honorable Daisy Morales
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – During Women’s History Month, we celebrate women whose courage and leadership have shaped history and opened doors for future generations. One such leader is Daisy Morales, whose historic stand inside the Florida House of Representatives became a defining moment in the fight for representation and democracy.
Rep. Tray McCurdy, D-Orlando and Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville sit on the Florida Seal in protest as debate stops on Senate Bill 2-C: Establishing the Congressional Districts of the State in the House of Representatives Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the Capitol in Tallahassee, Fla. Rep. Daisy Morales, D-Orlando, joins the protest, holding a sign. The session was halted on the protest. (AP Photo/Phil Sears)
A Historic Stand on the Florida House Floor
In April 21, 2022, Rep. Morales made history as the lone Hispanic state lawmaker—and the only Puerto Rican woman—to protest on the floor of the Florida House during debate over congressional redistricting maps advanced by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Standing alongside African American lawmakers, Morales joined a sit-in at the center of the chamber to oppose maps that critics argued would reduce congressional districts historically represented by Black voters.
The protest temporarily halted proceedings and forced a recess, briefly stopping legislative activity in the chamber. During the demonstration, members of the Democratic delegation sang the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.” Morales held a sign that read:
“Legislators serve the people. Not your party.”
Following the vote, Morales issued a strong statement warning about the consequences of the redistricting proposal.
“Our democracy is being attacked. The governor eliminating two Black congressional seats is a power grab and it’s wrong,” Morales said.
“Stripping seats from Black representation is the same as saying the Black voice — the Black vote — doesn’t matter.”
The redistricting measure ultimately passed 68–38 along party lines, but Morales’ protest became one of the most visible acts of resistance during the debate.
Warning About Future Redistricting
Rep. Morales also warned that the redistricting effort could eventually affect Hispanic representation in Congress, including the district represented by Darren Soto, the only Puerto Rican member of Congress representing Florida.
“With this map passing, I’m deeply concerned because it means he’ll likely target the one and only Puerto Rican representing Florida in Congress next,” Morales said.
“We don’t want to disenfranchise the 1.2 million Puerto Ricans in Florida.”
Her concerns highlighted the broader issue of protecting representation for minority communities across the state.
A Warning That Echoes in 2026
Morales’ warning in 2022 is again drawing attention in 2026.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has called a special session of the Florida Legislature from April 20–24, 2026, to consider new congressional redistricting proposals. Republican leaders have been laying the groundwork to redraw Florida’s congressional map ahead of the midterm elections.
Republicans currently control 20 of Florida’s 28 congressional districts, and party leaders believe a new map could allow them to gain three to five additional seats.
As the state prepares for another redistricting debate, Morales’ protest in 2022 stands as an early and historic warning about how congressional maps could reshape political representation in Florida.
A Record of Legislative Effectiveness
Beyond her historic protest, Rep. Morales earned recognition as one of the most effective bipartisan lawmakers in the Florida House.
During her first term, she sponsored and co-sponsored more than 110 bills that became law, one of the strongest legislative records for a first-term Democratic lawmaker in the chamber. Her legislative initiative, Educational Opportunities for Disabled Veterans (HB 45), became a model for other states and was included in the governor’s bill-signing ceremonies.
Her work demonstrated the power of bipartisan collaboration while advocating for policies that benefit communities across Florida.
A Lifetime of Service
Rep. Morales’ career reflects a deep commitment to public service and community leadership. Her roles include:
- Former Florida State Representative for Orlando and Orange County
- Former elected Supervisor of the Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District
- Appointed Vice Chair of the Orange County Disability Advisory Board
- Former federal official with the United States Department of State and United States Department of Homeland Security
- Chaplain in ministry, serving communities through faith leadership
- Founder and President of the Puerto Rican Heritage Network
- Community advocate dedicated to empowering underserved communities
Inspiring Future Women Leaders
As the only Hispanic state lawmaker to participate in the historic 2022 House floor protest, Daisy Morales demonstrated that leadership sometimes means standing alone to defend democratic principles.
Her actions have inspired Latina, Puerto Rican, and minority women leaders across Florida to pursue public office, advocate for their communities, and ensure that every voice is represented in government.
Women’s History Month Legacy
This Women’s History Month, we honor The Honorable Daisy Morales for her courage, legislative achievements, and commitment to protecting representation for all communities.
Her historic stand inside the Florida House reminds us that women leaders continue to shape democracy and inspire future generations to lead with courage and conviction.
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About the Florida National News Women’s History Month Series
Each March, Florida National News proudly celebrates Women’s History Month by highlighting the achievements, leadership, and impact of women across Florida and beyond. This special editorial series spotlights trailblazers in arts, culture, and fashion; business and entrepreneurship; education and academia; government and public service; media and communications; military and veterans; nonprofit and community leadership; philanthropy; and sports and athletics—women whose stories inspire progress and empower future generations.
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Rick Singh, Roberta Walton Johnson Face Off in Orange County Clerk Race After Maribel Gómez Cordero Withdraws
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The race for Orange County Clerk of Courts has entered a new chapter following Orange County Commissioner Maribel Gómez Cordero’s withdrawal, leaving voters with a head-to-head contest between former Orange County Property Appraiser Rick Singh and Orange County Clerk of Courts General Counsel Roberta Walton Johnson.
With incumbent Clerk Tiffany Moore Russell running for Orange County mayor, voters will elect a new clerk for the first time in more than a decade. The race now presents a choice between two candidates with different backgrounds but significant public-sector experience.
While recent headlines have focused on lawsuits and campaign controversies, both candidates are expected to spend the final weeks making their case on qualifications, leadership and their vision for one of Orange County’s most important constitutional offices.
An Open Constitutional Office
The Orange County Clerk of Courts serves as clerk to the courts and County Commission, custodian of public records, county recorder and chief financial officer for numerous court-related functions. The office oversees billions of dollars in transactions annually while providing services to residents, businesses and the judicial system.
With the field narrowed to two candidates, voters will compare experience, leadership and each candidate’s ability to manage a large countywide office.
Rick Singh: Former Countywide Constitutional Officer
Rick Singh previously served as Orange County Property Appraiser, leading one of Florida’s largest property appraisal offices.
Throughout his tenure, Singh emphasized technological modernization, operational efficiency, transparency and customer service.
His campaign highlights:
- Executive leadership of a countywide constitutional office.
- Experience managing large budgets and personnel.
- Technology modernization initiatives.
- Increased public access to government services.
- Fiscal accountability and operational efficiency.
Singh argues his experience managing a constitutional office prepares him to immediately lead the Clerk’s Office.
Roberta Walton Johnson: Clerk’s Office Legal Leader
Roberta Walton Johnson serves as General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Courts, where she advises the office on legal matters, compliance, public records and government operations.
Her campaign emphasizes:
- Extensive institutional knowledge.
- Legal and administrative experience.
- Continuity of leadership.
- Public records compliance.
- Customer service and operational stability.
Johnson says her experience inside the Clerk’s Office positions her to continue serving residents with minimal disruption while building on existing operations.
Candidate Comparison
| Category | Rick Singh | Roberta Walton Johnson |
|---|---|---|
| Current/Public Position | Former Orange County Property Appraiser | General Counsel, Orange County Clerk of Courts |
| Executive Leadership | Led county constitutional office | Senior legal executive within Clerk’s Office |
| Countywide Election Experience | Yes | First countywide campaign |
| Government Experience | Constitutional office administration | Legal counsel and government compliance |
| Campaign Focus | Modernization, accountability, efficiency | Continuity, legal expertise, public service |
Campaign Priorities
Both candidates have emphasized many of the same core responsibilities expected of the next Clerk, including:
- Improving customer service.
- Modernizing technology.
- Protecting public records.
- Fiscal responsibility.
- Efficient court operations.
- Transparency and accountability.
- Expanding public access to Clerk services.
Their campaigns differ primarily in how they believe those goals should be achieved and which experiences best prepare them for the position.
Moving Beyond Campaign Controversies
Like several Orange County races this election cycle, the Clerk’s race has attracted attention beyond policy issues.
Singh has faced scrutiny over litigation and campaign disputes stemming from previous elections, while Walton Johnson has worked to address questions about a criminal case from more than 30 years ago.
During the campaign, Orange County sheriff candidate Bill Moore has repeatedly criticized Walton Johnson over her involvement as a young adult in a Georgia scheme involving stolen tax refund checks. Johnson did not serve prison time and has described the incident as a mistake she made as a naïve 20-year-old that carried lasting consequences. She says the experience changed the direction of her life, leading her to earn a law degree, build a successful legal career and ultimately serve as General Counsel for the Orange County Clerk of Courts.
Both candidates now appear focused on ensuring those controversies do not overshadow the central question facing voters: who is best prepared to manage one of Orange County’s largest constitutional offices.
Connecting With Voters Countywide
Unlike district races, candidates for Orange County Clerk of Courts must earn support from voters across the entire county.
Political observers say success will likely depend on each campaign’s ability to demonstrate:
- Leadership.
- Integrity.
- Administrative experience.
- Fiscal management.
- Transparency.
- Accessibility.
- A clear vision for improving public service.
Community forums, debates and voter outreach will provide opportunities for Singh and Walton Johnson to explain how their backgrounds prepare them to lead the Clerk’s Office.
Decision Before Voters
Following Gómez Cordero’s withdrawal, Orange County voters now face a clear choice between two candidates with different paths to public service.
Rick Singh brings executive experience leading a countywide constitutional office and has centered his campaign on modernization, efficiency and accountability.
Roberta Walton Johnson offers decades of legal experience within the Clerk’s Office, emphasizing continuity, institutional knowledge and her belief that personal redemption and professional achievement have prepared her for elected leadership.
As Election Day approaches, both candidates will seek to persuade voters that their experience, leadership and vision make them the best choice to succeed Tiffany Moore Russell as Orange County’s next Clerk of Courts.
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