Florida
Dr. Rudolph Moise, Decorated Air Force Colonel and Former Haiti Ambassador, Considers Bid for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s Seat
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — According to the Tallahassee Democrat, calls for resignation or removal are intensifying against two members of Florida’s congressional delegation: Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat.
Mills faces domestic violence accusations and a restraining order issued against him. Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted earlier this month on charges alleging she stole $5 million from FEMA.
Both lawmakers deny wrongdoing and show no signs of stepping aside.
Their mounting legal and political troubles have accelerated conversations about new leadership, particularly in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
One name gaining momentum is Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise, a Miami physician, attorney, decorated U.S. Air Force colonel, former Haiti ambassador-at-large, business leader, humanitarian and prominent Democratic donor.
NBC Miami previously profiled Moise, highlighting his career and how he exemplifies the Haitian American dream.
Supporters across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Orlando are urging him to enter the 2026 race, citing his extensive experience and longstanding service to Haitian American and Caribbean communities. In a recent phone call with Florida National News, Moise confirmed he has been approached by religious leaders, business leaders and grassroots organizers encouraging him to run.
WHO IS DR. RUDY MOISE?
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise moved to the United States at age 17 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. After arriving in Miami, he received a federal grant to complete his medical studies, which required him to serve in communities heavily populated by newly arrived Haitian refugees—areas lacking Creole-speaking physicians.
HEALTH CARE CAREER
Moise spent four years treating Haitian refugees at a Miami clinic before opening his own 800-square-foot medical practice in North Miami. That small office grew into a multi-location Comprehensive Health Center spanning more than 10,000 square feet.
He later earned both an MBA and a JD from the University of Miami. During the 1980s, he also served as an on-call surgeon for the hit television series Miami Vice. Today, Moise serves as Medical Director of Comprehensive Medical Aesthetics in Miami.
Source: Rudolph Moise’s Social Media Page
MILITARY SERVICE
After receiving his law degree, Moise volunteered for the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where he served for 21 years as a flight surgeon. He rose to the rank of colonel—the highest rank ever achieved by an American of Haitian descent at that time. In 2023, Moise received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden for his decades of service.
BUSINESS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Moise has invested in more than 20 businesses, including an ambulance company and a film production firm. In 2001, he founded Miami’s first full-time Creole-language radio station, Radio Carnivale (1020 AM). He also served as President of the University of Miami Alumni Association from 2003 to 2005 and sits on numerous boards supporting education, health equity, and Caribbean affairs.
POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT AND DIPLOMATIC SERVICE
Moise provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee amid Haiti’s crisis in 2003. In 2004, Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him to an advisory group supporting Haiti.
Moise previously ran for Congress in 2010 and 2012, investing $1 million of his own funds in his second bid. He is also recognized as a high-profile Democratic fundraiser, hosting major events at his Davie home for leaders including Reps. Frederica Wilson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
In 2014, Haitian President Michel Martelly appointed Moise as Ambassador-at-Large for Investment, elevating his role in international diplomacy and economic development.
HUMANITARIAN WORK
Moise has been deeply involved in humanitarian relief efforts across the Caribbean. He was on the ground in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake, coordinating medical support and delivering emergency aid. In 2025, he joined a team of 20 volunteers in Jamaica for the Hurricane Melissa response, delivering 15,000 pounds of life-saving supplies.
POSSIBLE CONTENDERS AND CANDIDATES FOR FL-20
Alongside Moise, several other potential contenders are gaining attention for the 2026 race. According to FloridaPolitics.com, names under consideration include:
Bobby Powell, Palm Beach County Commissioner
Edwin Ferguson, Palm Beach County School Board Member
Melissa McKinlay, former Palm Beach County Commissioner
Keith James, Mayor of West Palm Beach
Declared candidates for the seat currently include:
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Incumbent)
Elijah Manley (D) — raised nearly $600,000
Dale Holness (D) — former Broward County Commissioner and Mayor
Filed Republicans:
Sendra Dorce
Rod Joseph
Gary Stein
As discussions intensify, Florida’s 20th Congressional District is poised for one of the most consequential and potentially historic races in 2026.
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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com
Florida
U.S. Embassy Reopens in Caracas, Offering New Opportunities for Venezuelans in Central Florida
WASHINGTON (FNN NEWS) — The United States has formally resumed operations at the U.S. Embassy in Caracas, Venezuela, marking the first permanent diplomatic presence in the country since 2019 and signaling a new phase in U.S.-Venezuela relations.
The reopening could have significant implications for Florida’s growing Venezuelan community, particularly in Central Florida, where thousands of Venezuelan families now call the Orlando region home.
The U.S. Department of State announced that diplomatic operations officially resumed March 30, following years in which U.S. engagement with Venezuela was conducted through the Venezuela Affairs Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia.
In January, Ambassador Laura F. Dogu arrived in Caracas as Chargé d’Affaires to lead U.S. government operations on the ground and oversee preparations for the eventual return of full embassy personnel and consular services.
Potential Impact on Venezuelan Families
For years, many Venezuelans seeking U.S. visa interviews or consular assistance were required to travel to Bogotá, often incurring significant travel expenses and logistical challenges.
While routine visa and passport services have not yet resumed in Caracas, U.S. officials said embassy personnel are working toward restoring full consular operations.
Once fully operational, the embassy could provide Venezuelan families with easier access to visa processing, family reunification services, emergency assistance and other consular support.
Economic and Business Opportunities
The reopening could also strengthen economic and commercial ties between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Florida has become a major destination for Venezuelan entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. Business leaders say a restored diplomatic presence may encourage additional trade, investment and business expansion opportunities between the two regions.
Industries including real estate, healthcare, construction, logistics and professional services could benefit from increased cross-border activity.
Strengthening Community Ties
Community leaders believe renewed diplomatic relations could further strengthen cultural, educational and civic connections between Venezuela and Central Florida.
Orlando-area organizations, universities and business groups may find new opportunities for collaboration, exchanges and partnerships as relations continue to normalize.
Former Florida Lawmaker Welcomes Diplomatic Reengagement
Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales, who is also a candidate for Florida House District 43, applauded the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and highlighted its potential impact on Central Florida’s large Venezuelan and Hispanic communities.
Morales, a retired federal official who served with both the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State, said the reopening represents an important first step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Venezuela.
“I applaud the United States for taking this important first step in reopening the U.S. Embassy in Caracas and strengthening diplomatic relations with Venezuela,” Morales said. “This decision could have a positive impact on Central Florida, particularly for Venezuelan families, businesses and community organizations. As diplomatic relations continue to improve, it could also create opportunities to establish a Venezuelan consulate or honorary consulate in Orlando to better serve the growing Venezuelan population in our region.”
Morales noted that during her tenure in the Florida House, the district she represented was approximately 70 percent Hispanic, providing her with extensive experience working with diverse immigrant communities, foreign nationals and diplomatic representatives of Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Haiti, Grenada and France.
“Throughout my public service, I have worked closely with foreign nationals and diplomats on issues affecting our communities,” Morales said. “As conditions continue to improve and return to normalcy, I would not rule out visiting Venezuela in the future to strengthen relationships and explore opportunities that benefit both our communities and Central Florida.”
Morales also said that while renewed diplomatic engagement presents opportunities, policymakers should remain mindful of past experiences involving U.S. diplomatic relations with other nations.
“When President Barack Obama announced the reopening of the U.S. Embassy in Cuba in 2015, many viewed it as the beginning of a new chapter in U.S.-Cuba relations,” Morales said. “However, diplomatic relationships can evolve over time and are often affected by changing political and security conditions. As the United States begins this new chapter with Venezuela, policymakers should proceed carefully and remain focused on protecting U.S. interests, promoting democratic values and ensuring the safety and well-being of Americans.”
Challenges Remain
Despite the reopening, challenges remain.
The U.S. Embassy in Caracas has not yet resumed routine consular services, and the State Department continues to maintain travel advisories for Venezuela because of ongoing security concerns.
In addition, immigration programs affecting Venezuelans residing in the United States, including asylum and Temporary Protected Status policies, remain separate from the embassy reopening and continue to be governed by federal immigration policy.
For many Venezuelans in Central Florida, however, the return of a U.S. diplomatic presence in Caracas represents an important milestone and a step toward reconnecting families, expanding economic opportunities and strengthening ties between both regions.
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.
Crimes and Courts
Attorney General Uthmeier Announces Charges Against Six in South Florida Drug Trafficking Enterprise
