FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman is highlighting growing campaign momentum following a series of endorsements, strong second-quarter fundraising and recent polling showing a competitive race against Republican Ashley Moody.

Campaign Raises $8.5 Million in Second Quarter

Vindman’s campaign announced it raised $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2026 from more than 114,000 unique donors.

According to the campaign, the average contribution was $35, which it says reflects broad grassroots support as the Senate race intensifies.

Veterans Caucus Endorses Vindman

The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida endorsed Vindman on July 10, citing his military service and leadership.

“Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alex Vindman has committed his life to serving our nation and protecting our freedoms,” said Democratic Veterans Caucus President Danny Fuqua. “During his 21-year Army career, he served presidents of both parties, and we know he will focus on representing Floridians, not special interests.”

Vindman thanked the organization and pledged to focus on lowering costs for Floridians, combating corruption in Washington and supporting veterans.

Debra Tendrich Announces Endorsement

On July 8, Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Debra Tendrich endorsed Vindman, describing him as an independent-minded leader who would prioritize Florida families.

“Floridians deserve leaders like Alex who will stand up for our interests,” Tendrich said.

Vindman contrasted his campaign with Republican opponent Ashley Moody, saying he would focus on reducing housing, insurance and utility costs while refusing contributions from corporate special interests.

State Sen. Tina Polsky Backs Campaign

State Sen. Tina Polsky became the latest Democratic lawmaker to endorse Vindman on July 6.

Polsky praised Vindman’s willingness to challenge corruption and said he would fight for affordable health care and lower costs for Floridians.

Vindman reiterated his campaign’s message that he will not accept contributions from corporate political action committees and will focus on addressing rising living expenses.

Competitive Senate Race

The campaign said multiple recent polls show Vindman running in a competitive contest against Republican Ashley Moody, setting the stage for one of Florida’s most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle.

The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.

The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.

Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago

Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.

The endorsing organizations include:

• Florida AFL-CIO
• Central Florida AFL-CIO
• SEIU Florida
• Florida Education Association
• Orange County Fire Fighters Association
• United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
• Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
• United Auto Workers
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
• Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
• SMART Transportation Division PAC
• Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596

Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’

In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.

“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.

He added:

“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”

Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.

Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry

The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.

The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.

Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.

Competing Messages to Democratic Voters

Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.

Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.

The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.

Key Background

Samuel Vilchez Santiago

• Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
• Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
• Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
• Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.

Daisy Morales

• Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
• Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
• Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.