ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales is receiving growing encouragement from Puerto Rican community leaders, activists, clergy members, and business leaders across Central Florida to enter a 2026 county or state race amid increasing concerns about declining Puerto Rican representation in Florida politics.

Morales, one of the few Puerto Rican women elected to the Florida Legislature from Central Florida, won both the 2020 Democratic Primary and General Election in Florida House District 48. She previously served as Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor after winning countywide elections in 2014 and 2018.

Before her legislative service, Morales also spent more than 24 years serving in federal government positions with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State.

In 2022, Morales lost her reelection bid following legislative redistricting that divided her former House District 48 into the newly created House Districts 43 and 44. Democrat Rita Harris later won the Democratic Primary and secured reelection in 2024.

During the 2020 Democratic Primary cycle, Morales defeated Venezuelan asylum seeker and political newcomer Samuel Vilchez Santiago despite his support from mass political endorsements and campaign allies. Morales supporters frequently point to her grassroots voter outreach, campaign organization, and strong community network as key factors behind her victory.

The redistricting changes and subsequent election outcomes have sparked ongoing discussions within segments of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community regarding the future of Puerto Rican representation at the county, state, and congressional levels heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Growing Debate Over Puerto Rican Representation

Community advocates say many Puerto Rican voters are increasingly concerned about the possibility of declining Puerto Rican representation in elected office despite the community’s continued population growth and political influence throughout Central Florida.

Several leaders argue Puerto Rican voters have played a major role in Democratic victories across Orange County and Florida over the last decade while remaining underrepresented in major elected positions.

The debate has intensified as some community members argue the redistricting of Morales’ former district created the potential for expanded Puerto Rican representation in the Legislature, while others believe establishment political support shifted toward non-Puerto Rican candidates.

Those concerns have fueled renewed calls for Morales to consider a return to elected office.

Morales Viewed as Experienced and Electable Candidate

Supporters describe Morales as one of the most experienced Democratic candidates potentially available for county or legislative office in 2026.

Her résumé includes:

• Florida State Representative for District 48
• Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
• More than 24 years of federal government service
• Proven Democratic primary and general election victories
• Countywide campaign experience
• Strong grassroots organizing network
• Bipartisan legislative accomplishments

Political supporters believe Morales would immediately become a top-tier contender in potential races for Orange County Commission Districts 4 or 8, as well as possible Florida House contests in Districts 35, 43, 44, or 47.

Several Democratic activists also believe Morales’ established relationships with veterans organizations, faith leaders, and Hispanic communities would provide a strong political foundation if she decides to run.

Legislative Accomplishments and State Laws

Supporters also point to Morales’ legislative record in Tallahassee, where she sponsored and co-sponsored multiple bills that ultimately became Florida law.

Among the measures frequently highlighted by supporters are legislation expanding benefits and protections for veterans, military families, homeowners, students, consumers, and working families throughout Florida.

Morales sponsored and supported legislation involving:

• Property tax relief measures
• Veterans and military family protections
• Consumer protection reforms
• Education and workforce initiatives
• Public safety and community programs
• Small business and economic development efforts

Supporters often point to House Bill 13, legislation that increased Florida property tax exemptions from $500 to $5,000 for widows, widowers, blind individuals, and persons who are totally and permanently disabled. The measure became part of a broader tax package signed into law in 2022.

House Bill 45, sponsored by Morales, expanded educational opportunities for disabled veterans in Florida and later became recognized as a national model for supporting veterans pursuing higher education and workforce advancement.

Political allies also highlight Morales’ bipartisan approach in the Legislature, arguing she worked across party lines to advance legislation benefiting everyday Floridians rather than focusing solely on partisan politics.

During her time in office, Morales served on multiple legislative committees and advocated on behalf of veterans, seniors, Puerto Rican families, first responders, small businesses, and underserved communities across Central Florida.

Supporters argue her legislative accomplishments and understanding of the state budget process distinguish her from many first-time candidates expected to enter the 2026 election cycle.

Community Leaders Publicly Encouraging a Campaign

Puerto Rican civic leaders, pastors, business owners, and longtime Democratic organizers have increasingly urged Morales to return to public office.

Supporters say they are seeking experienced leadership capable of building broad coalitions while advocating for working families, economic opportunity, public education, affordable housing, and minority representation.

Some advocates argue Morales’ history of winning competitive elections and serving diverse communities gives her credibility with both grassroots voters and moderate Democrats throughout Central Florida.

2026 Qualifying Deadline Approaching

Florida’s official candidate qualifying period is scheduled from noon June 8 through noon June 12, 2026, ahead of the Aug. 18, 2026 Florida Primary Election.

As the qualifying deadline approaches, political observers expect additional announcements from candidates throughout Orange County and Central Florida, particularly in competitive Democratic primaries where voter turnout and demographic representation are expected to play significant roles.

While Morales has not formally announced plans to seek office, speculation surrounding her political future continues growing as supporters intensify calls for her return to the ballot in 2026.

Morales did not respond to Florida National News requests for comment prior to publication of this article.

What’s Next for Daisy Morales?

For now, Morales remains publicly engaged in community advocacy and outreach efforts across Central Florida.

However, political observers believe her decision in the coming weeks could significantly influence multiple county and legislative races throughout the region.

Whether Morales ultimately pursues a county commission seat or a return to the Florida Legislature, supporters argue her combination of experience, name recognition, legislative accomplishments, and electoral success would make her one of the most closely watched Democratic candidates in Florida’s 2026 election cycle.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida Governor Charlie Crist has officially announced his campaign for mayor of St. Petersburg, setting up what is expected to be a closely watched local election.

Crist, who previously served as Florida governor, attorney general and a member of Congress, enters the race with decades of political experience and statewide name recognition. His campaign is expected to focus on economic development, public safety, affordable housing and the future growth of St. Petersburg.

Crist’s entry into the mayoral race immediately adds national and statewide political attention to the contest as local leaders and voters prepare for the upcoming election cycle.

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins is positioning his military background and “warrior leadership” philosophy as a central message in his campaign for governor as he works to gain momentum in Florida’s competitive Republican primary race.

FNN Politics & Power Talk Show with host Jenny Rosario

Speaking during a South Lake Chamber of Commerce business roundtable in Clermont and later in an exclusive interview with FNN Politics & Power host Jenny Rosario, Collins emphasized leadership shaped by military service, resilience and crisis management rather than traditional politics.

“I don’t consider myself a politician,” Collins said during the discussion. “I consider myself a warrior focused on service, leadership and solving problems.”

A 23-year Army veteran and former Green Beret, Collins spoke openly about the severe combat injuries he sustained during military service, including the loss of a leg while deployed overseas. He described moments during combat operations when he performed emergency medical treatment on himself while under extreme conditions.

Collins said those life experiences helped shape the leadership approach he believes Floridians are seeking in their next governor.

Throughout the event, Collins repeatedly stressed the importance of decisive leadership during times of economic uncertainty, natural disasters and national security concerns. He pointed to his leadership role with Operation BBQ Relief, a nonprofit organization that has helped provide more than 1.65 million hot meals to Florida communities impacted by hurricanes and other disasters.

The roundtable discussion focused heavily on Florida’s economy, workforce development, education reform and agriculture.

Collins highlighted Operation F3 — Fortifying Florida’s Workforce — an initiative aimed at expanding workforce opportunities in aerospace, aviation, manufacturing, skilled trades and national security industries. He said Florida must continue strengthening domestic manufacturing and preparing students for future job markets.

Education reform also remained a major focus of the discussion. Collins advocated for what he described as a more classical approach to education centered on foundational academics, critical thinking, civic understanding and workforce readiness.

Raised in rural Montana after being adopted by his grandparents, Collins shared personal stories about growing up in poverty on a farm, experiences he said taught him discipline, perseverance and appreciation for agriculture and small-town communities.

Now residing in Odessa in Hillsborough County, Collins said he remains committed to protecting Florida’s agriculture and maritime industries while supporting continued economic growth statewide.

Additional topics discussed during the event included H-1B visas, national security, economic stability and the recent Raul Castro indictment, which Collins connected to broader concerns about leadership accountability and public safety.

As Florida’s 2026 governor’s race continues to take shape, Collins faces growing competition in the Republican primary field. Byron Donalds is currently viewed by many political observers as the Republican front-runner following an endorsement from President Donald Trump.

When asked about Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, Collins said he believes Trump has not yet had the opportunity to know him personally. He also emphasized that DeSantis selected him as lieutenant governor because he trusted Collins’ readiness to lead the state if needed.

Collins closed the event by saying his campaign is ultimately focused on creating greater opportunities for future generations and leaving Florida stronger for his children and families across the state.

Florida’s Republican gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.