Florida
Navy Veteran and Former NASA Chief of Staff Bale Dalton Launches Campaign Against US Rep. Corey Mills
SANFORD, Fla. (FNN) – Bale Dalton, a Navy veteran, former NASA Chief of Staff and longtime public servant, announced Monday that he is running for Congress in Florida’s 7th Congressional District. Dalton, a retired Naval Aviator with more than two decades of military service, will seek the Democratic nomination to challenge U.S. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla.
In his announcement, Dalton contrasted his background with what his campaign characterized as “self-serving and unethical behavior” by Mills. Dalton’s campaign referenced past allegations and ongoing inquiries involving the congressman, emphasizing that voters “deserve mission-first leadership.”
“I’m running for Congress because Floridians deserve leaders who know what real service looks like,” Dalton said in a statement. “It’s courage, sacrifice, and putting the American people first. I will put people ahead of politics to lower costs and deliver results.”
Dalton, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, served 23 years in the Navy and Navy Reserve — including deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa and the Pacific. He flew medical evacuation missions in Kuwait, provided Hurricane Katrina relief, supported special operations, and directed combat air support in Afghanistan.
After his active-duty service, Dalton worked at the State Department and served as a military legislative assistant to former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson. He later returned to active duty as commanding officer of a Navy special operations support squadron before transitioning to the private sector and eventually becoming NASA’s Chief of Staff, where he helped manage an agency workforce of roughly 16,500 employees.
Dalton’s campaign said he is running to “restore integrity and service-driven leadership” to Washington. “Families in Central Florida want lower costs, safer communities, opportunities to thrive, and a representative who works for them — not himself,” Dalton said.
Florida’s 7th Congressional District includes all of Seminole County and southern Volusia County.
Bale Dalton’s Background in Service and Federal Leadership
Dalton brings more than two decades of military service, experience in federal agencies, and senior leadership roles — including serving as NASA Chief of Staff.
Dalton’s Contrast With Rep. Cory Mills (According to His Campaign)
Dalton’s announcement frames the race as a contest between “mission-first service” and what his campaign portrays as ethics concerns surrounding the incumbent.
Issues Dalton Says Will Define His Campaign
Dalton says he will focus on lowering costs for families, strengthening community safety, expanding opportunities, and returning accountability to Florida’s 7th District.
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Siegel, widely known as the “Queen of Versailles” and the widow of late timeshare Billionaire David Siegel, welcomed community leaders, business professionals, supporters, and guests interested in learning more about Razack’s campaign and priorities.
A Different Kind of Candidate
As voters across The Villages, Sumter County, Lake County, Citrus County, Hernando County, Polk County, and portions of Pasco County prepare for the August 18, 2026 Republican primary, Razack is positioning himself as a candidate whose professional experience differs significantly from that of traditional politicians.
A board-certified neurosurgeon, Razack has spent decades treating patients, leading medical teams, teaching future physicians, practicing law, and building healthcare organizations.
If elected, Razack would join a small number of physicians serving in Congress and could become Florida’s first neurosurgeon elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
The most prominent American neurosurgeon to enter national politics is Ben Carson. Although he never served in Congress, Carson gained national recognition through his 2016 presidential campaign and later served as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in President Donald Trump‘s Cabinet.
Healthcare Expertise at the Forefront
During the gathering, Razack discussed issues affecting residents throughout Central Florida, including healthcare access, Medicare, physician shortages, veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, public safety, and economic opportunity.
“Congress has many career politicians, but very few physicians who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients and solving complex problems,” Razack told Florida National News during an interview at the Siegel estate. “As Washington debates healthcare, Medicare, physician shortages, and patient care, it is critical that medical professionals have a seat at the table and help shape policies that impact millions of Americans.”
Razack emphasized that his background in medicine, law, education, and business provides a unique perspective on public policy and government reform.
Appeal to The Villages and Senior Voters
The Villages and surrounding communities represent one of the nation’s largest concentrations of retirees and senior citizens, making healthcare and retirement security among the most important issues for many voters.
Razack’s campaign is expected to focus heavily on protecting Medicare for current beneficiaries, expanding access to physicians and specialists, supporting veterans’ healthcare services, reducing unnecessary healthcare bureaucracy, and promoting fiscal responsibility in Washington.
Supporters argue that his experience making life-and-death decisions as a neurosurgeon demonstrates the type of leadership and accountability voters are seeking from elected officials.
From the Operating Room to Congress
Razack told attendees that his campaign is centered on bringing practical problem-solving experience to Washington.
“For decades, I have worked in environments where results matter and failure is not an option,” Razack said. “The challenges facing our nation require leaders who can analyze problems, build consensus, and deliver solutions.”
As the Republican primary campaign begins to take shape, Razack is expected to continue introducing himself to voters throughout Florida’s 11th Congressional District while emphasizing his record of service in medicine, education, law, healthcare leadership, and business development.
Listed below are the candidates currently filed for Florida’s 11th Congressional District following the retirement announcement of Daniel Webster, late April 2026.
Republican Candidates
- Carey Baker
- Chanelle Krisette Barnes
- Ivette Palomo
- Nizam Razack
- Anthony Sabatini
- Ryan Lee Smith
- Tim Wilkins
- Mike Wilnau
Democratic Candidates
- Barbara Harden Hall (“Barbie”)
- Walter J. Walker
- Royal Sylvester Webster II
- Dan Williams
Libertarian Candidate
- Ralph Groves
The Republican primary election is scheduled for Aug. 18, 2026.
Florida
Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones Will Not Seek Re-Election, Fuels Speculation About Congressional Run
Florida
Former Air Force Colonel and Physician Rudolph Moise Seeks Florida Congressional Seat Vacated by Frederica Wilson
MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.
Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.
Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience
Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.
His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.
No Stranger to Running Against Wilson
Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.
He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.
With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.
Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape
Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.
The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.
As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.
With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.
