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.”

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Luther Campbell, the rap pioneer widely known as “Uncle Luke,” announced he is running for Congress in 2026, entering an already crowded Democratic primary in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Campbell confirmed his candidacy during an appearance on This Week in South Florida, saying he will seek the Democratic nomination for the seat currently held by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

Campbell released an official statement on his Facebook page Monday.

The South Florida district, spanning parts of Broward and Palm Beach counties, is emerging as one of the most closely watched races of the 2026 election cycle.

A Rap Pioneer Steps Into Politics

Campbell rose to national prominence as frontman of 2 Live Crew and became a central figure in a landmark First Amendment legal battle over artistic expression in the 1990s. In addition to his music career, he has remained active in South Florida civic life, coaching youth football and supporting community initiatives.

“I’m going to run for Congress in CD 20,” Campbell said, citing frustration among residents. “It is a very underserved community. The representation of the district is not there. People want to be able to engage with their congressperson.”

US Congresswoman Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick respond to Campball in a written statement reported by South Florida media outlets, saying her challengers have every right to run but maintaining that “my record speaks for itself.”

Legal Cloud Over the Incumbent

Democratic Congresswoman Shelia Cherfilus-McCormick is seeking re-election in 2026 while facing a federal indictment related to the alleged misuse of COVID-19 relief funds. She has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.

Despite the legal challenges, she has not indicated she will step aside, setting up a competitive primary contest.

Florida’s 20th Congressional District is considered a majority-Black district centered in western and central Broward County, with a portion extending into southeastern Palm Beach County. It includes all or parts of Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, North Lauderdale, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Riviera Beach, Sunrise and Tamarac.

The district has historically leaned Democratic, making the primary winner the likely favorite in the general election.

A Crowded Field Takes Shape

Campbell joins a growing slate of candidates.

Democratic challengers include physician, attorney and former Air Force colonel Rudolph “Rudy” Moise; 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.

With high-profile names, legal controversy and a diverse field of candidates, Florida’s 20th Congressional District is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and closely watched contests in 2026.