Florida
Biden Picks Former Senator Who Flew in Space to Lead NASA
Published
5 years agoon
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — President Joe Biden has chosen a former senator from Florida who flew on the space shuttle right before the Challenger accident to lead NASA.
Biden on Friday announced his intent to nominate Bill Nelson as the space agency’s administrator.
If confirmed by the Senate, Nelson will become NASA’s 14th administrator, succeeding another former member of Congress, Jim Bridenstine, a Republican from Oklahoma. Nelson currently serves on the NASA Advisory Council.
Nelson promised, if confirmed, to “help lead NASA into an exciting future of possibilities.” The space agency is working to send astronauts back to the moon this decade and counting more than ever on private U.S. companies and even other countries to get that job — and others — done.
“Its workforce radiates optimism, ingenuity and a can-do spirit,” Nelson said in a statement. “The NASA team continues to achieve the seemingly impossible as we venture into the cosmos.”
Nelson, 78, grew up near Cape Canaveral and was serving as a Democratic congressman when he launched aboard space shuttle Columbia on Jan. 12, 1986. His commander was Charles Bolden Jr., who later served as NASA administrator under President Barack Obama — at Nelson’s urging.
Just 10 days after their flight ended, Challenger was destroyed shortly after liftoff and all seven astronauts were killed.
Nelson, who has a law degree and is a former captain in the U.S. Army Reserve, served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1979 to 1991. He was elected in 2000 to the Senate, where he served until his defeat in 2018 by former Florida Gov. Rick Scott.
In 2017, Nelson criticized Bridenstine’s nomination by President Donald Trump, saying the leader of NASA shouldn’t be political but rather nonpartisan.
Bridenstine instead offered kind praise Friday and urged Nelson’s confirmation “without delay.”
In a statement, Bridenstine said Nelson has the political clout to deal with both the White House and Congress, and the diplomatic skills to lead an international effort to send astronauts back to the moon and on to Mars. He also has “the influence to deliver strong budgets for NASA.”
Members of Congress already are voicing support for Nelson.
“There has been no greater champion, not just for Florida’s space industry, but for the space program as a whole than Bill,” Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida, said in a statement. “His nomination gives me confidence that the Biden administration finally understands the importance of the Artemis (moon landing) program, and the necessity of winning the 21st century space race.”
This is a critical time for NASA as momentum accelerates in the commercial space program.
SpaceX is about to launch its third flight of astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA; Boeing is expected to begin making crew deliveries later this year. Space station supply runs, meanwhile, have been handled by private companies under contract to NASA for nearly a decade.
At the same time, NASA is teaming up with private companies to launch experiments and equipment to the moon, and also lunar landers that would deliver astronauts to the surface. Just Thursday, NASA conducted a successful test firing of the core stage of its SLS moon rocket — the Space Launch System.
The new moonshot program is named Artemis after the twin sister of Apollo, and intends to include a woman on its first moon landing.
Some space observers had hoped to see the first woman at NASA’s helm.
“It’s time for a female administrator. Plenty of qualified candidates,” retired space shuttle director and program manager Wayne Hale tweeted earlier this month. He is also a member of the NASA Advisory Council.
One of the few women to have served as NASA’s deputy administrator, Lori Garver, noted in a tweet Thursday: “The good-ole-boy network is strong.” She’s rooting for former space shuttle commander Pam Melroy for the No. 2 spot.
You may like
Trump Calls for “Permanent Pause” on Migration from Poorer Nations After D.C. Shooting
Elon Musk Waves ‘Chainsaw of Bureaucracy’ at Conservative Conference, Vows to Cut Through Federal Government
Honoring the Legacy of Senator Geraldine Thompson: A Champion of Voting Rights, Education, and African American History
Florida
Vilchez Santiago Wins Union Backing; Daisy Morales Says Voters — Not Political Endorsements — Decide Elections
Published
5 days agoon
July 10, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 intensified this week after candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations, prompting former State Rep. Daisy Morales to respond that while endorsements are important, elections are ultimately decided by voters.
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations, including the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association, the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517, SMART Transportation Division PAC, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He said the endorsements were especially meaningful because he grew up in a union household.
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago said he would continue advocating for workers’ rights and policies that strengthen Florida’s middle class if elected.
Morales Congratulates Opponent, Recognizes Union Members
In response, Morales congratulated Vilchez Santiago on receiving the endorsements while recognizing the contributions of organized labor across Florida.
“I congratulate Mr. Vilchez Santiago on earning the support of these organizations and appreciate every group that participates in our democratic process,” Morales said.
Morales praised union members working as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, transportation employees and others who contribute to Florida’s economy.
“Every worker deserves respect, opportunity, safe workplaces, fair wages, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
Morales Points to 2020 Democratic Primary
Morales said endorsements are valued but do not determine election outcomes.
She cited the 2020 Democratic Primary for Florida House District 48, when Vilchez Santiago received endorsements from elected officials, political organizations and advocacy groups before Morales defeated him and three other Democratic candidates to win the Democratic nomination.
Following that election, Florida Politics wrote that endorsements “didn’t matter” after Morales emerged victorious.
“That election demonstrated a principle that remains true today,” Morales said. “Political endorsements are valued expressions of support, but they never replace the judgment of the voters. The people—not political insiders or special interests—have the final say on Election Day.”
Morales later won the general election and represented House District 48 from 2020 to 2022.
Contrasting Campaign Messages
The exchange highlights the different messages each campaign is emphasizing as the Aug. 18 Democratic primary approaches.
Vilchez Santiago has focused on labor support, workers’ rights, affordability, housing, healthcare and reducing the influence of special interests.
Morales has centered her campaign on her legislative experience, bipartisan record and accomplishments during her term in the Florida House.
Morales said her official legislative record includes sponsoring and co-sponsoring more than 110 bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and helping secure more than $12.5 million in state appropriations supporting higher education, healthcare, workforce development, nonprofit organizations, infrastructure improvements and community projects.
Among the legislative priorities Morales highlighted were educational opportunities for disabled veterans, property tax relief, consumer protection, public safety, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure investments and services benefiting veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Working families deserve representatives who deliver results—not just campaign promises,” Morales said.
Leadership and Experience
Morales said voters should evaluate candidates based on their accomplishments in public office.
“There is a clear difference in this race. My opponent is asking voters to consider who has endorsed his campaign. I am asking voters to examine my record of public service, legislative accomplishments, and proven results. Experience matters because results matter.”
She encouraged voters to review her official legislative record on the Florida House of Representatives website, which includes sponsored and co-sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting history and appropriations.
Primary Election Approaches
The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
House District 43 includes portions of east Orange County, including Azalea Park, Union Park, Alafaya, Orlando, Rio Pinar and surrounding communities.
Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their respective strengths as voters begin casting ballots in one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
Florida
Alex Vindman Campaign Highlights New Endorsements, Fundraising in Florida U.S. Senate Race
Published
6 days agoon
July 10, 2026
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman is highlighting growing campaign momentum following a series of endorsements, strong second-quarter fundraising and recent polling showing a competitive race against Republican Ashley Moody.
Campaign Raises $8.5 Million in Second Quarter
Vindman’s campaign announced it raised $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2026 from more than 114,000 unique donors.
According to the campaign, the average contribution was $35, which it says reflects broad grassroots support as the Senate race intensifies.
Veterans Caucus Endorses Vindman
The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida endorsed Vindman on July 10, citing his military service and leadership.
“Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alex Vindman has committed his life to serving our nation and protecting our freedoms,” said Democratic Veterans Caucus President Danny Fuqua. “During his 21-year Army career, he served presidents of both parties, and we know he will focus on representing Floridians, not special interests.”
Vindman thanked the organization and pledged to focus on lowering costs for Floridians, combating corruption in Washington and supporting veterans.
Debra Tendrich Announces Endorsement
On July 8, Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Debra Tendrich endorsed Vindman, describing him as an independent-minded leader who would prioritize Florida families.
“Floridians deserve leaders like Alex who will stand up for our interests,” Tendrich said.
Vindman contrasted his campaign with Republican opponent Ashley Moody, saying he would focus on reducing housing, insurance and utility costs while refusing contributions from corporate special interests.
State Sen. Tina Polsky Backs Campaign
State Sen. Tina Polsky became the latest Democratic lawmaker to endorse Vindman on July 6.
Polsky praised Vindman’s willingness to challenge corruption and said he would fight for affordable health care and lower costs for Floridians.
Vindman reiterated his campaign’s message that he will not accept contributions from corporate political action committees and will focus on addressing rising living expenses.
Competitive Senate Race
The campaign said multiple recent polls show Vindman running in a competitive contest against Republican Ashley Moody, setting the stage for one of Florida’s most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies
Published
7 days agoon
July 9, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.
The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.
Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.
The endorsing organizations include:
- Florida AFL-CIO
- Central Florida AFL-CIO
- SEIU Florida
- Florida Education Association
- Orange County Fire Fighters Association
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
- Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
- United Auto Workers
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
- Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
- SMART Transportation Division PAC
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596
Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’
In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He added:
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.
Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry
The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.
The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.
Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.
Competing Messages to Democratic Voters
Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.
Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.
The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.
Key Background
Samuel Vilchez Santiago
- Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
- Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
- Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
- Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.
Daisy Morales
- Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
- Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
- Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.
Race to Watch
Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.
The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
