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.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

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.