Politics
Doctor, Attorney, Retired Air Force Colonel Rudolph Moise Running to Unseat US Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Published
5 months agoon
By
Willie David
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN) — Rudolph “Rudy” Moise, a physician, attorney and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, announced his candidacy for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, setting up a challenge to U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in the 2026 election.
Moise, a South Florida serial entrepreneur whose career spans medicine, law, military service, foreign affairs, media and film, said he is running to restore trust in public office and expand opportunity across the district.
Florida’s 20th Congressional District includes communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties and is considered one of the most diverse districts in the nation.
From Immigrant to US Military Colonel
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise immigrated to the United States at age 17.
He said he attended school during the day and worked at night, earning a premedical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He later obtained both an MBA and a law degree from the University of Miami before joining the U.S. Air Force.
Moise served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a flight surgeon, rising to the rank of colonel. At the time, he became one of the first Haitian Americans to achieve that rank.
A Platform Focused on Service and Opportunity
“I am running for Congress because I believe deeply in the promise of this country,” Moise said in a statement announcing his campaign.
He said his platform will focus on restoring faith in government, supporting veterans and military families, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening access to health care.
“As a physician, I have seen firsthand the inequities in our health care system,” Moise said. “As a colonel, I understand leadership, discipline and sacrifice. And as an immigrant, I understand what it means to fight for opportunity.”
A Competitive Race in CD 20
Moise enters a competitive race in a district that has historically leaned Democratic.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who was first elected in a special election, is seeking re-election. The South Florida seat has drawn multiple challengers, including Rap pioneer Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness; and civic activist Elijah Manley.
Republican candidates include Sendra Dorce, Joseph Rodenay and Gary Stein. Independent candidate Kedner Maxime and write-in candidate Kevin McClellan have also entered the race.
Moise said he plans to begin a district-wide listening tour in the coming weeks, meeting with veterans, seniors, small business owners, faith leaders, educators and working families to shape what he described as a “people-centered agenda.”
“This campaign is about restoring faith in leadership,” Moise said. “It is about standing up for those who work hard, serve honorably and simply want a fair shot.”
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Politics
Vice President JD Vance to Visit Milwaukee, Discuss Trump Administration’s Anti-Fraud Efforts
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — Vice President JD Vance will travel to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks on the Trump administration’s efforts to combat fraud, according to a White House press release.
Politics
Five Charged in Florida EBT Fraud Case; Two Illegal Aliens Among Defendants, Attorney General Says
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — James Uthmeier announced today that five individuals have been charged in connection with an organized scheme to defraud Florida’s public assistance program by using stolen Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card information and personal identifying information (PII) to obtain taxpayer-funded benefits.
According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation was conducted by the Orlando Police Department and involves an alleged fraud operation that spanned Orange County and Seminole County.
“Florida is not going to tolerate organized schemes that steal taxpayer-funded benefits intended for Florida families,” Uthmeier said in a statement.
“We will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to identify every individual connected to this scheme and hold them accountable.”
Investigation Details
Investigators allege the defendants used stolen personal identifying information and EBT card data belonging to numerous victims to purchase high-resale merchandise, including:
- Monster energy drinks
- Red Bull energy drinks
- Coffee
- Bottled water
- Other retail goods
Authorities allege the merchandise was later resold for cash, diverting taxpayer-funded nutritional assistance intended for eligible Florida families.
Defendants Charged
The five defendants are:
- Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez
- Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada
- Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez
- Enrique Gonzalez
- Luis Gonzalez Dominguez
According to the Attorney General’s Office, immigration records indicate that Gomez Jimenez and Mesa Labrada entered the United States unlawfully in 2024.
Criminal Charges
All five defendants are charged with:
- Organized Scheme to Defraud (less than $20,000)
- Public Assistance Fraud ($200 or more but less than $20,000)
Additional charges include:
- Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez are charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving EBT accounts belonging to 10 or more individuals.
- Dominguez is charged with Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information.
- Diaz Jimenez and Enrique Gonzalez are also charged with Dealing in Stolen Property.
Potential Sentences
According to prosecutors:
- Carlos Luis Diaz Jimenez faces up to 40 years in prison.
- Carlos Ruben Gomez Jimenez, Maite Lazara Mesa Labrada and Enrique Gonzalez each face up to 25 years in prison.
- Luis Gonzalez Dominguez faces up to 15 years in prison.
Additionally, Gomez Jimenez, Mesa Labrada and Diaz Jimenez face mandatory minimum sentences of three years if convicted of Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information involving 10 or more victims.
Investigation Remains Active
The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing. Additional arrests or charges may be filed as investigators continue to identify others connected to the alleged fraud scheme.
The case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel for Public Assistance Fraud Scott Strauss in Florida’s Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida.
Central Florida News
Orange County Commission District 3 Lawsuit Set for July 10 Hearing, Candidate Randy Ross Says
Published
2 days agoon
July 6, 2026
Florida National News learned of the July 10 court date following a press conference held by Ross and later received a news release from his campaign announcing the scheduled hearing.
Lawsuit Challenges Election Process
Ross filed the lawsuit after challenging the application of Florida’s resign-to-run law following Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe’s decision to seek another elected office.
“This lawsuit has never been about me,” Ross said. “It has always been about the right of District 3 residents to elect their own County Commissioner. On Friday, the people finally get their day in court.”
Ross: ‘The Law Matters’
Ross said his legal challenge is focused on ensuring election laws are applied consistently.
“While others relied on politics, assumptions and opinion, I relied on one thing … the law,” Ross said. “If we expect our citizens to follow the law, then government must follow it too. There cannot be one set of rules for politicians and another for everyone else.”
Concerns Over Election Accountability
Ross said the case raises broader questions about accountability and public confidence in Orange County’s election process.
“Candidates place their trust in our election officials to provide competent, accurate guidance,” Ross said. “Voters deserve confidence that elections are conducted according to Florida law … not political convenience. When government gets it wrong, someone has to stand up. I chose to do exactly that.”
Campaign Message
Ross, a longtime Orange County resident and community leader, said the lawsuit reflects the type of leadership he would bring to the County Commission.
“I don’t back down from difficult fights. I don’t accept government incompetence. And I don’t believe taxpayers or voters should pay the price when public officials fail to do their jobs.”
He also pledged to provide a public update immediately following Friday’s hearing.
“I welcome this opportunity because facts matter. The law matters. Most importantly, the voices of District 3 voters matter. This isn’t about politics … it is about protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring the people, not government bureaucracy, decide who represents them.”
The hearing is scheduled for Friday, July 10, 2026. The court’s ruling will determine the legal issues presented in the case. The allegations and legal arguments discussed are those advanced by the plaintiff and remain subject to judicial review.
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