Florida

Daisy Morales Seeks Florida Elections Commission Investigation of ActBlue Manager, Former Democratic Party Chair Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Published

2 months ago

August 15, 2026

Draped in the Venezuelan flag, Samuel Vilchez Santiago is a Venezuelan political refugee and former asylum seeker who serves as an ActBlue senior manager for PACs and nonprofits. He is a former chair of the Orange County Democratic Party and a Democratic candidate for Florida House District 43. Photo Source: Samuel Vilchez Santiago

Morales campaign says complaint filed before separate defamation lawsuit asks state investigators to examine disputed statements, candidate-approved political mailer and $50,000 in PAC contributions days before HD 43 Democratic primary

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida state Rep. Daisy Morales has asked the Florida Elections Commission to investigate whether Democratic primary opponent Samuel Vilchez Santiago committed possible election law violations involving allegedly false statements about Morales and disputed political communications sent to House District 43 voters, according to the Morales campaign.

The Morales campaign said the election-law complaint was filed before Morales subsequently filed a separate defamation lawsuit against Vilchez Santiago and the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee.

The state election complaint seeks an independent investigation into three disputed representations about Morales: that she was “expelled from the Democratic Party,” “endorsed Republicans” and sided with or supported “MAGA Republicans.”

Morales disputes those representations.

With the Aug. 18 Democratic primary three days away, the campaign says the timing makes preservation of evidence and an independent review particularly important because the disputed communications allegedly reached voters while ballots were being cast.

“The people of House District 43 deserve the truth before they cast their votes,” Morales said. “I am asking the Florida Elections Commission to independently examine the evidence, determine what my opponent knew and when he knew it, and determine whether Florida election law was violated.”

STATE INVESTIGATION: FOLLOW THE FACTS

A central question raised by the complaint is whether Morales was formally and validly expelled from the Democratic Party, according to her campaign.

Rather than relying on competing political accounts, Morales wants state investigators to examine underlying records, including applicable party bylaws, written charges, notices, meeting agendas and minutes, voting records, resolutions, correspondence, appeals and state-party records.

The complaint asks investigators to determine who initiated any disciplinary action, what authority governed it, whether required procedures were followed, whether a vote occurred and whether a final expulsion was actually entered, the campaign said.

“If I was properly expelled, produce the records,” Morales said. “Show the charges, show the notice, show the authority, show the vote and show the final action.”

The complaint also asks investigators to determine whether Vilchez Santiago or others possessed information contradicting the expulsion representation before it was communicated to voters.

CANDIDATE-APPROVED MAILER RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT KNOWLEDGE

The Morales campaign said another significant issue is a challenged political mailer indicating that it was approved by Vilchez Santiago.

Morales wants investigators to determine what Vilchez Santiago reviewed before approval, what documentation supported the disputed statements, whether contrary information was available and whether corrections were sought before the communication was distributed.

“When a mailer says it was approved by my opponent, that creates important questions that an independent investigation can answer,” Morales said. “What exactly did he approve? What evidence did he review? What did he know about the disputed statements before approving them?”

The Morales campaign acknowledges that proving a statement false would not, by itself, establish a violation under the statute cited in the complaint. The investigation would also have to examine evidence concerning the required actual-malice standard, including what Vilchez Santiago allegedly knew when a statement was made or caused to be made.

FOLLOW THE MONEY: $50,000 IN PAC CONTRIBUTIONS

The complaint also asks state investigators to examine reported $50,000 in contributions from Central Floridians for Change PAC to the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee, according to the Morales campaign.

The campaign expressly says the contributions themselves are not being presented as evidence of wrongdoing.

Instead, Morales wants investigators to examine campaign-finance reports, expenditures and communications to determine whether records establish any connection between the money and the development, production or distribution of the challenged political communications.

“I am not asking investigators to assume that a political contribution was illegal,” Morales said. “Follow the money, follow the communications and follow the approvals. If there is no connection, the evidence will show that. If there is a connection, determine what it was and whether it has any significance under Florida election law.”

According to the campaign, the complaint also requests review of any independently supported issues under Chapter 106, Florida Statutes, including campaign-finance reporting, political advertising, expenditures and committee activity.

WHY THE FLORIDA ELECTIONS COMMISSION?

The Morales campaign said the complaint principally invokes Section 104.271(2), Florida Statutes, which addresses false statements made by candidates about opposing candidates during an election.

Under the provision cited by the campaign, an aggrieved candidate may file a complaint with the Florida Elections Commission alleging that an opposing candidate, with actual malice, made or caused to be made a false statement about that candidate.

The statute provides for an expedited hearing process and authorizes a civil penalty of up to $5,000 if a violation is established.

Morales’ complaint also asks investigators to consider other provisions of Florida election law if evidence independently supports additional violations, according to her campaign.

“I am not asking the Commission to punish ordinary political criticism,” Morales said. “Candidates can criticize each other’s records, votes and positions. My complaint asks a different question: Were false factual statements knowingly made or caused to be made about an opposing candidate to influence voters?”

PRESERVE THE EVIDENCE

With the election approaching, the Morales campaign says investigators should preserve and examine records capable of establishing who developed the disputed statements, who approved them and what they knew before those statements reached voters.

The requested evidence includes emails, text messages, campaign and political committee communications, mailer drafts and proofs, source materials, approval records, invoices, contracts, expenditure records, vendor communications, mailing records and party disciplinary documents.

“The election may be over in days, but the responsibility to preserve evidence does not end on Election Day,” Morales said. “The records should be protected now so investigators can establish what happened.”

ELECTION COMPLAINT CAME BEFORE DEFAMATION LAWSUIT

The Morales campaign emphasized that the Florida Elections Commission complaint was filed before the separate civil defamation lawsuit against Vilchez Santiago and the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee.

The proceedings seek different legal determinations.

The election complaint asks state election authorities to determine whether conduct involving the disputed campaign statements violated Florida election law.

The defamation lawsuit separately asks a state court to determine whether allegedly defamatory statements caused legally actionable harm to Morales.

“The sequence matters,” Morales said. “I first sought an independent election-law investigation because these statements were being used during an active election. The lawsuit followed because the same alleged conduct raises separate civil questions involving my name and reputation.”
“These are two different legal processes,” Morales added. “The Elections Commission should determine whether election law was violated. The court should determine the civil claims before it. Both should make their decisions from evidence, not politics.”

‘LET THE EVIDENCE DETERMINE WHAT HAPPENED’

Morales said she wants investigators to make findings based on documentary evidence rather than competing campaign allegations.

“Preserve the records. Produce the documents. Follow the money. Determine who developed the statements, who approved them and what they knew before those statements reached voters,” Morales said.
“This election belongs to the voters,” she added. “Give them the facts and let independent institutions do their jobs.”

According to the Morales campaign, the complaint asks the Florida Elections Commission to determine legal sufficiency, investigate the alleged conduct, examine relevant communications and financial transactions, determine what participants knew and when, and impose any authorized penalties or make appropriate referrals if warranted by the evidence.

The allegations remain subject to investigation and adjudication. No finding that Samuel Vilchez Santiago, the Florida House Democratic Campaign Committee, Central Floridians for Change or any other person or entity violated Florida election law is asserted in this article.

Central Florida News

Broadcaster Ray Cruz Santiago Criticizes Samuel Vilchez Santiago With Communist Graphics, Puerto Rican Identity Claims

Published

3 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

The commentator’s video pairs the Democrat’s image with Soviet-style imagery and references his grandfather’s communist beliefs; Vilchez Santiago has publicly rejected socialism.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Hispanic broadcaster Ray Cruz Santiago is targeting Florida House Democratic nominee Samuel Vilchez Santiago in a video that depicts the candidate in a Soviet-style military uniform and pairs his name with a hammer-and-sickle graphic.

The approximately two-minute video invokes Vilchez Santiago’s description of his grandfather as a communist while presenting images of the candidate, former Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and Republican opponent Jorge Malavet.

In separate Facebook posts, Cruz Santiago also accuses the Venezuelan-born Democrat of misleading Puerto Rican voters about his heritage. The material reviewed does not substantiate that allegation, and Vilchez Santiago has publicly rejected the socialist label.

Video visually links candidate to communism

The uploaded video shows an apparent composite depicting Vilchez Santiago in a military uniform and peaked cap. Another graphic places the name “Samuel Vilchez” beneath a red flag bearing a hammer and sickle.

An on-screen caption describes him, translated from Spanish, as a “Democratic candidate in District 43 with a communist grandfather.”

The sequence also juxtaposes footage of Chávez with an image of Vilchez Santiago draped in a Venezuelan flag. Later frames display Malavet and Vilchez Santiago alongside Puerto Rican and Venezuelan flag symbols, respectively.

Together, those visual choices suggest an association between the Democratic candidate and communism. They do not independently establish his political beliefs, affiliations or support for Venezuela’s government. The uniform depiction should be understood as an apparent composite, rather than documentary evidence that he wore such a uniform.

Grandfather’s statement includes family opposition to Chavismo

The reference to Vilchez Santiago’s grandfather has a documented source.

“My grandfather was a communist,” Vilchez Santiago said in a 2019 Princeton University profile. In the same discussion, he described his parents as politically active opponents of Venezuela’s Chavista government and discussed his family’s departure because of political persecution. pace.princeton.edu

That account describes an ideological divide within his family. His grandfather’s beliefs do not establish the candidate’s own ideology.

Candidate has rejected socialist label

Cruz Santiago’s supplied posts describe Vilchez Santiago as a socialist or democratic socialist, a characterization the candidate has disputed.

“I am not a socialist. I have never been a socialist,” Vilchez Santiago said in Spanish in an interview published Sept. 29 by La Prensa Florida.

He argued that proposals involving health care, Social Security and lower household expenses should not automatically be labeled socialist. His stated priorities included easing property tax increases for first-time homebuyers, reducing toll expenses and simplifying small-business registration. laprensafl.com

Separate posts question Puerto Rican campaign imagery

Cruz Santiago’s heritage criticism appears in separate Facebook posts alleging that Vilchez Santiago is presenting himself as Puerto Rican to attract voters. www.facebook.com

A screenshot of a campaign advertisement supplied to FNN shows a photograph of Vilchez Santiago holding a Puerto Rican flag alongside two women, with his campaign branding displayed over the image.

The photograph places a recognizable symbol of Puerto Rican identity within the campaign’s presentation of his personal story. Viewers unfamiliar with his Venezuelan background could interpret it as suggesting Puerto Rican heritage. The materials reviewed do not establish whether viewers reached that conclusion or whether the campaign intended it.

The screenshot contains no explicit claim of Puerto Rican ancestry. Vilchez Santiago’s Venezuelan background is publicly documented in the Princeton profile and a Venezuelan-American Caucus biography. pace.princeton.edu

Why the presentation matters to voters

The criticism combines two distinct subjects: the candidate’s heritage and his political beliefs.

For voters evaluating the material, the central distinction is between documented statements and associations created through editing. The grandfather’s communist beliefs are supported by the candidate’s published account. The uniform, hammer-and-sickle graphic and Chávez juxtaposition are elements of the video’s presentation, rather than proof of the candidate’s ideology.

Likewise, the Puerto Rican flag photograph documents the campaign’s use of cultural imagery without establishing a false claim of ancestry.

Broadcaster brings criticism into District 43 contest

Cruz Santiago hosts El Escándalo del Día on Miami’s Radio Mambí 710 AM, according to his professional profile. Salsoul’s official website also lists him among its personalities. www.linkedin.com

Readers can review his commentary on Facebook and visit his website.

Vilchez Santiago and Malavet are the Democratic and Republican candidates, respectively, in the Nov. 3 election for Florida House District 43, according to state election records. dos.elections.myflorida.com

Florida

Nikki Fried to Challenge Trump’s Economic Record Ahead of Florida Visit

Published

4 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried plans to hold a virtual press call ahead of President Donald Trump’s Friday visit to Florida, focusing on household costs and arguing that his economic record could hurt Republican candidates in November.

In an announcement, the party said Fried would address gasoline prices, health insurance premiums and grocery costs while challenging Republican gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds’ support for Trump’s economic policies.

Democrats Target Donalds’ Economic Assessment

The party’s announcement cited what it described as Donalds’ “A” rating of Trump’s economy, contrasting that assessment with financial pressures facing Florida families.

Democrats also alleged that Donalds had removed Trump from his campaign website as part of an effort to distance himself from the president. The supplied announcement did not include the underlying remarks, website comparisons or dates needed to substantiate those claims.

Party Frames Visit as Election Intervention

Florida Democrats characterized Trump’s visit as an effort to bolster Donalds’ campaign and argued that the president’s involvement could become a liability for Republicans.

The announcement asserted that a majority of Floridians disapprove of Trump but did not identify a poll, its dates or methodology. It also did not provide supporting data for its claims about gasoline prices and increases in household health insurance costs.

Byron Donalds has given Trump’s economy an “A” rating.

Central Florida News

Festival of Trees Marks 40 Years With Holiday Displays, Santa Breakfasts and Parties

Published

4 days ago

October 22, 2026

FNN NEWS

Orlando Festival of Trees Returns Nov. 14–22 for 40th Anniversary at Orlando Museum of Art

The nine-day celebration benefits the Orlando Museum of Art and its educational programs.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Festival of Trees will return to the Orlando Museum of Art Nov. 14–22, celebrating its 40th anniversary with designer-decorated trees, visits with Santa, holiday workshops and evening parties.

Presented by the Council of 101, with AdventHealth as platinum presenting sponsor, this year’s festival carries the theme “Forty Seasons of Joy.” Its design inspiration comes from the ruby, a traditional symbol of a 40th anniversary.

The museum will feature more than 50 designer-decorated trees, along with wreaths, tablescapes, holiday vignettes, a Gingerbread Village and a Holiday Boutique, according to organizers.

“Whether you’re bringing the children to meet Santa, gathering friends for a festive night out or finding inspiration for your own holiday decorating, there’s a way to make the season your own at Festival of Trees,” said Elizabeth Benoist, president of the Council of 101.

Hours, Tickets and Museum Support

The festival will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Nutcracker Café will operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

General admission costs $23 for adults and $15 for children ages 3–12. Seniors, active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators qualify for $15 admission with valid identification.

Guests can purchase designer trees, wreaths and gingerbread creations, enter drawings for tabletop displays and participate in a silent auction. Proceeds support the museum and its educational and lifelong-learning programs.

“We’re excited to welcome guests back for another memorable celebration that supports the Orlando Museum of Art and the important role it plays in enriching our community through art and education,” Benoist said.

Santa Breakfasts and Family Celebrations

Breakfast with Santa returns Nov. 14, 15 and 21 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. Families can reserve tables for four, six, eight or 10 guests, with prices ranging from $185 to $460.

The breakfasts include a hot meal, crafts, face painting, photos with Santa, balloon artists and early access to the festival.

The Reindeer Romp Children’s Holiday Party takes place Nov. 20 from 6:30 to 9 p.m., with VIP admission beginning at 5:30 p.m. Activities include photos with Santa, story time with Mrs. Claus, face painting, holiday sing-alongs and reindeer stilt walkers.

Tickets cost $35 per adult or child of any age, or $40 for VIP admission. Dinner will be available for purchase at the café.

Holiday Parties and Evening Events

The celebration begins before the public opening with the Opening Night “TreeView” Party on Nov. 13 from 7 to 10 p.m. The evening includes entertainment, food offerings and a ceremonial tree lighting. Guests receive a welcome glass of sparkling wine and two drink tickets; a cash bar will also be available.

Other evening events include:

Event	Date and time	Admission
Ugly Sweater Holiday Party — Live music, a holiday sweater contest and cash bar	Nov. 14, 7:30–9:30 p.m.	$40
Festival After 5 — After-hours displays and Holiday Cookie Stops; food and beverages sold separately	Nov. 19, 5:30–9:30 p.m.	$15 adults; $10 children
Sip & Sleigh Cocktail Party — Adults-only evening with jazzy holiday music; food and drinks sold separately	Nov. 21, 7–9 p.m.	$35

Decorating, Beauty and Entertaining Workshops

The festival’s workshops offer ideas guests can bring into their own holiday celebrations.

Workshop	Date and time	Ticket price
From the White House to Your House — Winter Park interior designer Lindsay Matteoni shares stories, photographs and tips from volunteering to decorate the White House for Christmas	Nov. 14, 3:30–5 p.m.	$65
Shimmer & Spice — Film and television makeup artist Leslie Christin demonstrates holiday makeup techniques	Nov. 15, 1:30–3:30 p.m.	$65
The Festive Platter — Chef-led appetizer demonstration, tastings and take-home recipes	Nov. 15, 3:30–5:30 p.m.	$70
Baubles & Branches — Bow-making techniques and seasonal decorating tips	Nov. 21, 3–5 p.m.	$65

The makeup workshop is limited to 25 guests, who should bring a hand or stand mirror. Participants in Baubles & Branches may bring their own ribbon or use materials provided.

Special-event tickets are priced separately from general admission and include festival admission, according to organizers.

Special Days Honor Seniors and Community Heroes

Salute to Seniors takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering guests ages 60 and older $15 admission and special entertainment.

Heroes Day, scheduled for Nov. 22 during the same hours, offers $15 admission with valid identification to active-duty and retired military personnel, first responders and educators.

New Café Operator Supports Hunger Relief

Plate Above Catering, a catering company of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, will operate The Nutcracker Café this year.

Organizers said the partnership connects the festival’s support for arts education with local hunger relief efforts.

Tickets, special-event details and updates are available at councilof101.org. Follow @FestivalofTreesOrlando on Facebook and @councilof101oma on Instagram.