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.

SUNRISE, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — Playing what felt like a home game, the reigning national champion Florida Gators returned to South Florida and captured the 31st Annual AutoNation Orange Bowl Classic with an 80–70 victory over George Washington on Sunday night at Amerant Bank Arena.

Voice of Sports Reporter Florida National News Matt Wolff

Tommy Haugh and Xavian Lee set the tone early, opening the game with back-to-back 3-pointers and scoring Florida’s first 14 points. The Gators built an early eight-point lead before George Washington answered behind Tyrone Marshall Jr., who sparked a brief rally that gave the Colonials their first lead midway through the first half.

Florida regained control after halftime. Lee and Haugh combined for the first five points of the second half as part of an 11–0 run that stretched the lead to 41–27. Florida’s depth proved decisive, with reserve guard Isiah Brown providing key points and Micah Handlogten adding energy inside as the Gators pushed their advantage to as many as 20.

George Washington trimmed the deficit to single digits late, but Florida answered with emphatic dunks by Haugh and Boogie Fland and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Lee earned tournament MVP honors, finishing with 22 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Haugh added 19 points and seven rebounds. Marshall led George Washington with 14 points and six rebounds, while Trey Autry and Rafael Castro scored 12 points apiece.

Florida improved to 6–4 and returns to Gainesville to host St. Francis. George Washington fell to 8–4 and will host St. Mary’s (MD) on Dec. 22.

UMass Hands Florida State Fourth Straight Loss

In the opening game of the doubleheader, Florida State’s struggles continued as UMass defeated the Seminoles 100–85, handing FSU its fourth consecutive loss and surrendering 100 or more points for the second time in four games.

UMass jumped out early behind Marcus Banks Jr., who hit four first-half 3-pointers. Florida State rallied late in the half and carried a four-point lead into halftime, but the Minutemen seized control after the break.

Leonardo Bettiol recorded 20 points and 10 rebounds, igniting a decisive second-half run. A flagrant foul assessed to Florida State’s Lajae Jones led to a pivotal five-point possession that swung momentum firmly to UMass.

Hankins-Sanford Leads Second-Half Surge

Daniel Hankins-Sanford was named tournament MVP after scoring a career-high 26 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including 18 points in the second half. K’Jei Parker added a career-best 24 points as UMass rallied from a halftime deficit and pulled away late.

For Florida State (5–5), Robert McCray V finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, while Kobe Magee added 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Florida State travels to Dayton on Tuesday. UMass opens MAAC play at home against Kent State on Dec. 20.