SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — Former U.S. Congressman Alan Grayson, one of Florida’s most recognizable Democratic firebrands, has entered the race for Florida’s 7th Congressional District, setting up what could become one of the state’s most closely watched congressional contests of 2026.

Grayson’s late entry adds a high-profile name to the Democratic primary as the party seeks to unseat incumbent U.S. Representative Cory Mills. The race is expected to generate significant political attention and sharp contrasts between Democrats and Republicans heading into the August primary and November general election.

THE RETURN OF A DEMOCRATIC FIREBRAND

Among Democrats, Grayson remains known for his outspoken criticism of Republican leaders and his combative political style. Supporters view him as a proven campaigner and effective debater who built a national profile during his time in Congress.

Grayson was first elected to Congress in 2008, representing Florida’s 8th Congressional District. After serving one term, he was defeated by a Republican challenger in 2010. He returned to Congress in 2012 after winning election in Florida’s 9th Congressional District and served two additional terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.

ETHICS QUESTIONS SURROUND INCUMBENT

Mills enters the race while facing ongoing scrutiny related to ethics matters.

The Office of Congressional Ethics previously investigated Mills and reported that government contracts had been awarded to entities owned by Mills since January 2024. In November 2025, the House Ethics Committee established an investigative subcommittee to examine allegations involving potential fraud and two reported incidents involving Mills’ conduct toward women.

Mills has denied wrongdoing.

DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY TAKES SHAPE

Grayson joins a Democratic field that includes former Navy nuclear reactor plant supervisor Marialana Kinter and former NASA’s Chief of Staff Bale Dalton.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has identified Florida’s 7th Congressional District as a top target in Democrats’ effort to regain control of the U.S. House of Representatives and backed Dalton.

REPUBLICAN CHALLENGERS EMERGE

On the Republican side, former FOX 35 news anchor Ryan Elijah, businesswoman Sarah Ulrich, and self-described “Reagan Republican” Don Johnson are challenging Mills in the Republican primary.

LOOKING AHEAD

With Grayson’s entry, Florida’s 7th Congressional District is poised to become one of the state’s most competitive and closely followed races. The contest now features a well-known Democratic firebrand, an incumbent facing ethics scrutiny, and multiple challengers from both parties seeking to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction and shifting political dynamics.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.

#AlanGrayson #CoryMills #FL07 #FloridaPolitics #CongressionalRace #Election2026 #Democrats #Republicans #SeminoleCounty #FloridaNationalNews

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales has officially qualified to run for Florida House District 43, launching a People First Campaign focused on affordability, public safety, economic opportunity, education, and responsive government.

Morales, who represented Florida House District 48 from 2020 to 2022, enters the race with a legislative record that continues to benefit Floridians. During her first term, she sponsored and supported legislation that became state law, helping veterans, seniors, individuals with disabilities, consumers, small businesses, and working families.

“Floridians are struggling with rising costs, housing affordability challenges, skyrocketing insurance premiums, and economic uncertainty,” Morales said. “I am running because the people deserve a representative who puts their needs ahead of politics and delivers real results.”

House District 43 includes portions of East Orlando and communities previously represented by Morales before Florida’s 2022 redistricting process.

A Record of Results

As a freshman lawmaker, Morales sponsored legislation that was enacted into Florida law, including:

• HB 13 (2022) — Expanded property tax relief for qualifying widows, widowers, blind persons, and permanently disabled Floridians.

• HB 45 (2022) — Helped close gaps in federal G.I. Bill educational benefits for veterans and military families.

• HB 213 (2022) — Created Florida’s first Down Syndrome specialty license plate.

• HB 855 (2021) — Expanded workforce opportunities through barber services reform.

• HB 857 (2021) — Strengthened consumer protections against harassing telemarketing calls.

Morales also sponsored House Resolution 8069, recognizing April 2 as Puerto Rican Heritage Day in Florida.

Leadership During Crisis

During her term, Morales became known for advocating for residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, calling for additional government response, addressing affordability concerns, organizing food distributions and job fairs, and helping families access critical resources and services.

“Leadership matters most during difficult times,” Morales said. “Public service is about helping people when they need it most.”

Proven Electoral Success

In 2020, Morales won both the Democratic primary and general election for Florida House District 48. She successfully campaigned on a message of community-focused leadership and practical solutions for residents.

“The people deserve a strong voice in Tallahassee,” Morales said. “This campaign is about putting people first and delivering results that improve everyday life.”

People First Agenda

If elected, Morales said her priorities will include:

• Affordability and cost-of-living relief

• Public safety initiatives

• Workforce and economic development

• Veterans and military family support

• Senior services

• Consumer protection

• Educational opportunities

Morales also announced plans to reintroduce legislation establishing a statewide Active Shooter Alert System and pursue additional affordability-focused measures aimed at helping Florida families.

“For more than 30 years, my mission has remained the same: put people first,” Morales said. “Together, we can build a stronger future for East Orlando, Lake Nona, and communities across Florida.”

Daisy Morales and Samuel Vilchez Santiago are currently the only Democrats who have filed to run for Florida House District 43. On the Republican side, Robert Prater has entered the race, along with write-in candidate Areeb Gulzar.

The seat is being vacated by incumbent State Rep. Johanna López, who is running for the Orange County Commission.

Candidate qualifying runs from June 8 through June 12, meaning additional candidates may still enter the race before the filing deadline.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, with the general election set for Nov. 3, 2026.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — Florida House District 43 candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced the endorsement of U.S. Congressman Darren Soto while reporting more than $160,000 raised since launching his campaign, signaling growing support among Democratic leaders and grassroots donors across Central Florida.

Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan political refugee who later became a U.S. citizen and prominent Democratic organizer in Orange County, is seeking to represent House District 43, which includes portions of East Orange County and Lake Nona.

Congressman Darren Soto Endorses Vilchez Santiago

“Samuel Vilchez Santiago has dedicated his career to uplifting our community, bringing people together, and creating opportunities for working families,” Soto said in a statement. “His commitment to public service and deep roots in our community are exactly what we need in the Florida House, and I’m proud to endorse him to be the next State Representative for HD 43.”

The endorsement adds one of Central Florida’s most influential Democratic voices to Vilchez Santiago’s growing coalition of supporters.

Campaign Reports More Than $160,000 Raised

According to the campaign, Vilchez Santiago has raised more than $160,000 since entering the race, including more than $32,000 during the most recent reporting period. The campaign reported receiving more than 700 contributions from over 500 unique donors and maintaining more than $110,000 cash on hand.

Campaign officials said the fundraising success will support voter outreach, communications, field organizing, and turnout efforts throughout District 43.

Investing in Grassroots Organizing

The campaign also announced the launch of a five-figure Fellowship Program designed to strengthen voter contact efforts while training the next generation of political organizers and community leaders.

“I am incredibly honored to earn Congressman Darren Soto’s endorsement,” Vilchez Santiago said. “Congressman Soto has been a tireless advocate for Central Florida’s families, workers, and small businesses, and I am grateful for his support.”

Vilchez Santiago also emphasized concerns about political representation in Central Florida.

“The partisan gerrymandering coming out of Tallahassee threatens to diminish Latino representation in Central Florida and silence communities that deserve a seat at the table,” he said. “Congressman Soto has always fought to ensure our voices are heard, and that’s exactly why it’s so important that we stand together and continue fighting for fair representation and opportunity for every family in our community.”

Statewide Democratic Leaders Unite Behind HD 43 Candidate

The endorsement underscores the significant political support Vilchez Santiago has assembled from current and former Democratic elected officials, labor organizations, and community leaders across Florida.

The endorsements reflect a significant investment of political capital by Democratic leaders statewide, who are backing Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a Venezuelan political refugee and former chair of the Orange County Democratic Party, in his bid to represent Florida House District 43.

Recent endorsements include SEIU Florida, representing more than 80,000 members statewide, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 606, and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA!) Local 517.

He has also received endorsements from former state Sens. Annette Taddeo and Victor Torres, former Florida House Democratic Leader Mark Pafford, and former state representatives Anthony Suarez, Juan Carlos Planas, Joe Geller, Sean Shaw, Travaris McCurdy, Joe Saunders, and Dick Batchelor.

The coalition of support spans multiple regions of Florida and includes elected officials, labor leaders, and longtime Democratic activists who view Vilchez Santiago as a leading contender to represent one of Central Florida’s most diverse legislative districts.

A review of Florida Division of Elections records shows that, as of June 8, no additional Democratic candidates have filed to run for Florida House District 43. Republican candidate Robert Prater and write-in candidate Areeb Gulzar have entered the race for the seat being vacated by Rep. Johanna Lopez, who is seeking election to the Orange County Commission.

Candidate qualifying runs from June 8 through June 12, meaning additional candidates may still enter the race before the filing deadline.

Florida’s primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026, and the general election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.