Politics

Dr. Rod Joseph, Former U.S. Senate Candidate, Switches to Republican Party and Endorses Senator Rick Scott

Published

1 year ago

September 18, 2024

Source: Dr. Rod Joseph, US Senate Campaign

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.

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Politics

Gov. Hochul Announces Statewide Preparations as Arctic Cold, Heavy Snow Threaten New York

Published

1 day ago

January 23, 2026

FNN NEWS

ALBANY, N.Y. (FNN) — Extreme Cold Watches are in effect for the North Country from 7 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Saturday as dangerously low temperatures threaten much of northern New York, state officials announced.

Wind chill values could make temperatures feel as low as minus 50 degrees Friday night and minus 30 degrees Saturday night, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone exposed for extended periods.

Winter Storm Expected to Bring Heavy Snow Statewide

A large winter storm system is forecast to impact New York beginning Sunday morning and continuing through Monday, bringing widespread snowfall across much of the state.

Forecasters predict 12 to 18 inches of snow for New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, Capital Region, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley, Lower North Country, and parts of Central New York. Western New York and the Upper North Country could see 6 to 12 inches of snow.

State Agencies Mobilized Ahead of Storm

At the governor’s direction, state response agencies have been engaged in multi-day preparations to address the expected extreme cold and heavy snowfall. Crews are coordinating snow removal, emergency response, and public safety operations to minimize disruptions and ensure rapid assistance where needed.

Voting Changes and Telework Guidance Issued

Due to the expected weather conditions, early voting for the Feb. 3 New York City special elections has been suspended on Sunday, Jan. 25, and Monday, Jan. 26.

Additionally, all non-essential state employees have been directed to telecommute on Monday where possible to reduce travel and maintain safety.

Public Safety Alerts Available to Residents

New Yorkers are encouraged to stay informed by signing up for weather and emergency alerts by texting 333111, which provides real-time updates and safety information during severe weather events.

Central Florida News

Mayor Demings Announces 2026 Orange County Open House and Job Fair

Published

2 days ago

January 23, 2026

Willie David

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Orange County Mayor Jerry L. Demings will host a free open house and job fair on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orange County Administration Center in downtown Orlando.

The family-friendly event will give residents an opportunity to meet Mayor Demings and members of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners while learning more about county services and career opportunities.

Interactive Activities and Career Opportunities

The open house will feature more than 30 interactive booths hosted by county departments, offering attendees hands-on experiences and information about services provided to the community. Human Resources staff will also be available to provide a one-stop opportunity for visitors to learn about current job openings and career paths with Orange County.

Guided tours of the Mayor’s Office and the County Commissioners’ offices will be offered throughout the event.

Event Details and Parking Information

The event will take place at the Orange County Administration Center, located at 201 S. Rosalind Ave., Orlando, FL 32801. Free parking will be available at the Administration Center as well as in the parking lot at the corner of Jackson Street and Liberty Avenue.

Residents are encouraged to RSVP in advance or seek additional information by visiting ocfl.net/OpenHouse, calling 407-836-7370, or emailing mayor@ocfl.net.

Politics

President Trump Ratifies Board of Peace, Opening Path to Hope and Dignity for Gazans

Published

2 days ago

January 23, 2026

FNN NEWS

Today, in an historic ceremony in Davos, Switzerland, President Donald J. Trump formally ratified the Charter of the Board of Peace — establishing it as an official international organization. President Trump, who is serving as the Board’s Chairman, was joined by Founding Members representing countries around the world who have committed to building a secure and prosperous future for Gaza that delivers lasting peace, stability, and opportunity for its people.

It’s another pivotal step forward in realizing President Trump’s vision of transforming Gaza from a region plagued by conflict and despair into one defined by opportunity, hope, and vitality. The Board of Peace stands ready to mobilize global resources, enforce accountability, and guide the implementation of the next critical phases of demilitarization, governance reform, and large-scale rebuilding.

President Trump: “This Board has the chance to be one of the most consequential bodies ever created, and It’s my enormous honor to serve as its Chairman… Today, the first steps toward a brighter day for the Middle East and a much safer future for the world are unfolding right before your very eyes. Together, we are in a position to have any credible chance… to end decades of suffering, stop generations of hatred and bloodshed, and forge a beautiful, everlasting, and glorious peace for that region.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio: “We are here today because of President Trump’s vision. If we go back just a few months ago, people thought what was happening in Gaza was impossible to solve… No one thought that that would ever come to a resolution without more fighting and more bloodshed along the way… But President Trump had the vision and the courage to dream the impossible, to believe that it was doable, and to pursue it with all of his heart.”
Chief Commissioner of the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza Dr. Ali Sha’ath: “I want to start by thanking President Donald J. Trump and his Administration for his intensive efforts to advance peace in the whole region… These efforts created the opportunity for a new future in Gaza, but what will really matter is what comes next.”
High Representative for Gaza Nickolay Mladenov: “Who would’ve thought two years ago that we would be sitting here with this group of countries, with this leadership, giving the people of Gaza a new chance?… For too long, Gazans, Palestinians, and Israelis have lived with conflict, with death, with destruction. Now, the page turns.”
Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff: “We have achieved a peace deal in Gaza. We have brought the hostages home… And maybe most importantly, we have created a sense of hope for what the future can bring in Gaza and all other places where the Board of Peace will operate. And I am so honored, Mr. President, to have worked on this on your behalf.”
Jared Kushner: “85% of the GDP of Gaza has been aid for a long time. That’s not sustainable. It doesn’t give these people dignity; it doesn’t give them hope. And so we want to use free market economy principles — a lot of what President Trump spoke about that he’s doing in America — we want to bring the same mindset, the same approach, to a place like Gaza to give these people the ability to thrive and have a good life… If we believe that peace is possible then peace really can be possible.”