Politics
Dr. Rod Joseph, Former U.S. Senate Candidate, Switches to Republican Party and Endorses Senator Rick Scott
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN) – In a significant political move, former Florida Democrat U.S. Senate candidate Dr. Rod Joseph announced today that he is switching his party affiliation to Republican and endorsing incumbent Senator Rick Scott in his re-election bid. Dr. Joseph, who previously ran against Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell in the primary, is making this shift ahead of a close and contentious election season.
Dr. Rod Joseph delivered a bold statement regarding his decision, saying,
“I am proud to announce that I am switching my Party affiliation to Republican and endorsing Senator Rick Scott in Florida’s U.S. Senate race. For far too long, the Democratic party has taken us immigrants for granted and used us as political pawns each election season. I call upon all my fellow Haitians to join me and re-elect U.S. Senator Rick Scott.”
He didn’t stop there, offering a stinging critique of the Democratic Party and its current leadership. “Debbie Mucarsel-Powell and the rest of today’s Democratic Party are the Party of no visions and no plans. I fought in combat to preserve the freedom that every Floridian and American holds dear, and I simply cannot support a candidate or political party that wants to implement an agenda that is against the norms and values of our society,” Joseph said. His rallying cry to fellow veterans added weight to his endorsement, highlighting the connection between his military service and the values he seeks to protect in public office. “This is not about allegiance for a specific party, it is about the future of our country.”
Senator Rick Scott responded by welcoming the endorsement:
“I appreciate Dr. Rod Joseph’s endorsement, and I look forward to earning more votes from Democrats who are fed up with how radical today’s Democrat party has become. As Floridians learn more about Debbie Mucarsel-Powell’s socialist record, they will keep her out of office once again.”
This endorsement comes at a crucial time for Rick Scott’s campaign, with registered Republican voters in Florida surpassing Democrats by more than 1 million ahead of the August 20 primary election. This bold shift reflects a larger political trend in Florida, where the Republican Party now holds its largest margin over Democrats since the late 1980s, marking a significant milestone in the Sunshine State’s political landscape. Dr. Joseph’s move exemplifies this ongoing bold realignment, as more Democrats, particularly within immigrant communities, are increasingly crossing party lines to support conservative candidates.
Tight US Senate Race
A recent poll by The Hill/Emerson College, conducted from September 3 to 5, shows a tight Senate race in Florida. According to the survey, 46% of likely voters support Rick Scott, while 45% back Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, with 9% remaining undecided.
Florida
Joe Strada Loans Campaign $5 Million, Launches $1 Million Ad Buy in Congressional District 11
The ad was produced by political strategist Brad Herold of Something Else Strategies and marks the first major media investment of the campaign.
$5 MILLION PERSONAL LOAN TO CAMPAIGN
Strada, founder of Strada Services, announced last week that he had loaned his congressional campaign $5 million, providing the campaign with substantial financial resources early in the election cycle.
Strada Services is one of the nation’s largest privately held, family-owned companies specializing in air conditioning, electrical, security, and plumbing services.
The campaign said the loan and advertising investment demonstrate Strada’s commitment to communicating directly with voters throughout Central Florida.
FIRST MAJOR MEDIA PUSH
The $1 million advertising effort is expected to reach voters across Florida’s 11th Congressional District through a combination of television, radio, and digital media platforms.
The campaign has positioned Strada as a conservative outsider and successful entrepreneur focused on bringing private-sector experience to Washington.
Additional details regarding future advertising and campaign events are expected in the coming weeks.
ABOUT FLORIDA’S 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Florida’s 11th Congressional District includes portions of Central Florida and is expected to be one of the state’s closely watched congressional races during the 2026 election cycle.
Florida
Republican Rep. Paula Stark Disqualified From Ballot, Giving Democrats Opportunity to Flip House District 47
OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Rep. Paula Stark has been disqualified from seeking reelection in Florida House District 47 after failing to satisfy candidate qualifying requirements before the noon Friday filing deadline.
According to state election records, Stark’s candidacy was disqualified due to a deficiency involving required financial disclosure filings, commonly referred to as Form 6. Florida law requires candidates for legislative office to timely submit all qualifying documents, including financial disclosure forms, to appear on the ballot.
Form 6 Financial Disclosure Requirement
Form 6 is a public financial disclosure document required for state elected officials and candidates. The form requires candidates to disclose assets, liabilities, sources of income, and other financial interests.
The disclosure includes a sworn certification stating: “Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have read the foregoing Form 6 and that the facts stated in it are true.”
Candidates are required to complete, sign and timely file the disclosure as part of Florida’s qualifying process. Failure to properly file required qualifying documents, including Form 6, by the statutory deadline can result in disqualification from the ballot.
Democrats Advance to Primary Election
With Stark removed from contention, Democrats now have an opportunity to capture the Republican-held seat in House District 47.
The only candidates remaining in the race are:
- Jorge Figueroa, President of the Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
- Anthony Nieves, a state investigator
The two Democrats will compete in the Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, with the winner becoming Representative-Elect.
House District 47 covers portions of Osceola County and has been represented by Stark since her election to the Florida House.
The disqualification was among the most notable developments of Florida’s 2026 candidate qualifying period and significantly alters the political landscape in a district Republicans had hoped to retain.
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