MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.

Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience

Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.

His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.

No Stranger to Running Against Wilson

Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.

He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.

With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.

Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape

Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.

The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.

As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.

With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Ron DeSantis on Thursday received 11 bills from the Florida Legislature addressing issues ranging from agriculture and coastal resiliency to drug prices and public records.

The measures now await the governor’s review and signature, veto or approval without signature.

The bills sent to the governor include:

• CS/CS/CS/SB 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• CS/SB 844 — Sickle Cell Disease Care Management and Treatment Continuing Education

• CS/CS/SB 302 — Coastal Resiliency

• SB 386 — Farm Equipment

• CS/CS/CS/HB 1417 — Department of Environmental Protection

• HB 7011 — A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act

• CS/HB 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage

• HB 569 — Forensic Client Services

• CS/CS/CS/HB 1443 — Parkinson’s Disease Registry

• CS/HB 1445 — Public Records

• CS/CS/CS/HB 399 — Land Use and Development Regulations

Under Florida law, the governor has until April 2, 2026, to act on the legislation.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Members of the Florida House Democratic Caucus criticized Republican leadership Friday, calling the 2026 session of the Florida Legislature a failure after lawmakers adjourned without completing the state budget.

Democratic leaders said the Legislature failed to address rising costs affecting Florida families and seniors, including housing, insurance, groceries and health care.

“Republicans fought among themselves and Floridians lost,” said House Democratic Leader Fentrice Driskell, D-Tampa.

Democrats Criticize GOP Legislative Priorities

Driskell said Democrats repeatedly focused on affordability during the session and filed legislation aimed at lowering the cost of living. She argued Republican lawmakers instead prioritized controversial policy issues that did not directly address household expenses.

According to House Democrats, those issues included proposals related to firearm regulations, voting access, vaccine policy, local government authority over property taxes, and debates surrounding diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“Republicans used affordability as an empty buzzword and ignored the problem,” Driskell said. “Florida is becoming too expensive for too many Floridians.”

Driskell also noted that Republicans control the governor’s office and both legislative chambers but were unable to finalize a budget before the session concluded.

House Democrats Highlight Affordability Bills

House Democrats pointed to several proposals they filed this session aimed at reducing costs for Floridians.

Among them were HB 319, designed to lower property insurance costs; HB 687, which sought to cut government waste and corrupt spending; and HB 675, intended to make homeownership more affordable.

Democrats argued those proposals would have provided financial relief to working families facing rising housing and insurance costs across the state.

Democrats Cite Bipartisan Legislation Passed

Despite disagreements over priorities, Democratic lawmakers said they successfully advocated for several measures that passed both chambers during the session.

Approved legislation included measures to enhance child protective investigations, expand a veterans dental care grant program, strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, and create a uterine fibroid research database.

Other bills addressed human trafficking education for nurses, historic cemetery protections, drowning prevention, support services for people with developmental disabilities, expanded health care access, and improved treatment and education related to sickle cell disease.

Democrats Call for Focus on Affordability

House Democratic Leader-designate Christine Hunschofsky, D-Parkland, said Floridians expect lawmakers to address the state’s affordability crisis and complete their constitutional duty to pass a balanced budget.

“Floridians want, and deserve, a state government that works to make their lives better,” Hunschofsky said. “We were elected to pass a balanced budget and help Floridians with the affordability crisis. Unfortunately, we’re going home without accomplishing either.”

She added that Democrats plan to continue advocating for policies aimed at lowering costs and improving quality of life for Florida residents.