Politics
[Opinion] Post-Election Support for Trump is Unprecedented
UNITED STATES (FNN NEWS) – From Indiana to Florida, coast to coast, and everywhere in between, Americans still love President Trump.
Picture it: 15,000 screaming fans, some having waited in line for hours all wanting to see their star performer. But we’re not talking about a rock concert or final four college basketball game. No, we’re talking about an audience of “Trumpers,” a slang name for those who rally and support our President, waiting to see him take the stage. Music energizes the crowds, including everything from Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera.” I’m not talking about pre-election rallies. We’re talking about the campaign continuing and people steadfast in their support of President Trump today, some six months after the election. As you know, President Trump filed to run for reelection on inauguration day, January 21, 2017, immediately igniting his base once again. But what exactly is the draw? I talked with a few loyal “Trumpers” to get the answer. To them, 2020 isn’t that far away.
What is it about President Trump that “Trumpers” find so endearing? “The reason Trump supporters continue to like President Trump is he follows through and does what he said he would do on the campaign trail,” says Tony Ledbetter (below), Chairman of the Republican Party of Volusia County and Vice Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida Chairman’s Caucus. “President Trump is his own best strategist. President Trump is playing chess. He’s three moves ahead of everyone while others are playing checkers. He has done more for the American people in 100 days than any President in United States history,” continued Ledbetter who, by the way, was my boss on the Trump campaign serving as Regional Director in Central Florida. Recently, he was invited to the White House in appreciation for his efforts in the 2016 campaign. Ledbetter also hosts his own radio show, “Trump Talk Live,” on Florida 1150AM/93FM every Thursday at 7pm, recapping Trump happenings and clarification of media #FakeNews.
Photo courtesy of Tony Ledbetter (pictured, with President Trump).
Many find their affinity and loyalty to our President in his promises to the American people. “For me, it started from the first debate. His delivery on most topics resonated with me. Like he was truly talking to me,” said Lori Medlen, a court administrator for Avon Town Court in Indiana. Indiana easily went to President Trump in 2016. Medlen continued, “He makes me feel like it is possible for America to win again. He has passion and spirit that gets folks excited and involved. I am patient, loyal and will continue to support his efforts. I believe he desperately wants better for all Americans. My retirement account is showing good gains too.” Her sentiments resonated with many I sought feedback from.
Photo courtesy of Lori Medlen, Avon, Indiana (pictured)
Florida resident Leland McKee, special advisor to the Orange County Trump Republican Club, had this to say: “Voters are loyal to Trump because he remains very much an outsider free from Washington control. This is why they voted for Trump and will do so in greater numbers in 2020 for reelection.” Florida remains a key battleground state for anyone seeking the office of President, with all 99 delegates up for grabs for the top vote gainer. McKee added, “Reliable media outlets suggest 98 percent of likely voters who voted for Trump would vote for him again. Trump supporters are loyal because Trump has pretty much delivered on many campaign promises within his direct control.” Certainly the media is not a friend to our President, and McKee addresses that as well. “The mainstream media narratives of not funding the wall and repeal of Obamacare promises will take more time due to bureaucratic gridlock beyond Trump’s control.” (Obamacare repeal UPDATE below)
We must be patient with our President. He’s acknowledged the job, or the ability to get the work done, will take time. And after decades of underperforming presidents in various areas, reinventing this office will not happen overnight.
Photo courtesy of Leland McKee, special adviser to the Orange County Trump Republican Club.
Tennessee resident and Trump volunteer Elaine Ervin said, “I am loyal to President Trump because of the man he is. His actions have been bold, protective and loving for the American people. The President has never faltered on keeping the promises he made to us throughout the campaign.” Ervin’s support of our President is a consistent theme among “Trumpers.” Something about him and his sacrifice has touched people in a very unique and powerful way. “I would stand up and fight for this man with my dying breath – and there is no doubt he would do the same for America!” Ervin expressed. “President Trump loves America like no president in my lifetime. God bless him.”
Ervin traveled to Florida during the final weeks leading to the general election, assisting the Orange County 4 Trump team in its efforts to drive as many votes as possible for President Trump, who ultimately won the state of Florida.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Ervin (pictured), Tennessee volunteer.
More than once President Trump has reminded us he plans to keep his promise to America. “Promises Made Promises Kept” signs were visible throughout his campaign rally recently in Pennsylvania. For some, the promises like the border wall are simply not coming fast enough. We simply need to be reminded this “non” politician has been in office a few short months. I believe we’ll see substantial changes over the summer addressing these critical issues leading into a possible showdown in September. And excitingly, while writing this article, breaking news came on one of the campaign promises many suggested was reason enough to vote for Trump: the House repeal of Obamacare in a vote 217 to 212. There will be a battle in the Senate, but this is certainly a major victory for Americans and for President Trump and his administration. So it took a little more than 100 days…but only 5 days more. But who’s counting right?
Trump supporter Susan Haag noted, “President Trump is doing exactly what he said he was going to do. Secondly, as a working woman and small business owner, it’s nice to have some of the regulations removed so that small business owners can be successful. It makes people independent of government assistance.” President Trump recently signed an executive order that eliminated much of the red tape that makes running a business in America more challenging than necessary. Haag added, “President Trump wants America to be prosperous and safe for all of us.”
Haag is a enthusiastic volunteer for the Republican Party more recently helping organize and participate in voter registration efforts in West Orange County (FL). She has launched a monthly group, in cooperation with the West Orange Women’s Republican Federated, allowing people the flexibility of meeting in the evenings versus daytime hours. Haag concluded, “President Trump listens to the people.”
Photo courtesy of Susan Haag (pictured).
28,000 Doors? That’s the number of doors Maryann Pistilli, President of the Southeast Volusia County Republican Club and former Volusia County Regional Director of the Republican Leadership Initiative Program for the RPOF, knocked on last year to help get President Trump elected. Now that’s dedication and loyalty. Said Pistilli, “I will remain loyal to the President because he is a President of The People and for the People. He walked into the White House not owing any special interest or lobbyist a favor. He is all about America First.” In addition to getting to meet President Trump because of her remarkable grassroots efforts and ground game successes, Pistilli continues to promote President Trump with events such as one taking place this Saturday, in New Smyrna Beach. “On Inauguration Day, he gave the power back to the people. Together, with President Trump, we will continue to Make America Great Again,” explained Pistilli.
Photo courtesy of Maryann Pistilli (pictured)
WHY I’M WITH PRESIDENT TRUMP
A few have suggested I am attached to Trump’s celebrity as my motivation to work for and support him. That rumor might have been easier to believe in the beginning of the campaign when so many left leaning liberals consistently came at my support of President Trump with demeaning commentary and prediction of doom. They needed something to hate on … right? Actually, while I have always admired our President and did audition for and enjoy his reality show “The Apprentice” a number of years ago, it was his platform I formed an allegiance to, not his star status. But hey, it was pretty cool be part of introducing him at a rally and to be photographed with the President multiple times…not going to lie.
When President Trump speaks about Veterans and the need to take care of them, I trust he will. When he talks about border security and our need for the wall, I support him. When he addresses the deficit and unfair trade, I agree with him. Literally nearly every single part of his platform I believe is important to making America great again, and for that I will continue to be loyal to our 45th President of the United States. Of course, it’s no secret that my hope will be to continue working with the LGBTQ community who blindly follow the very left leaning narrative that President Trump is somehow against them. That’s simply not true and not supported by any of his actions. Like everyone else mentioned here and so many of our “Trumpers” throughout the country, I’m all in for President Trump and looking forward to his reelection in 2020.
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Randy Ross is a contributing political writer for Florida National News. He is President of the Orange County Trump Republican Club and Florida Chairman for America First Federated. info@floridanationalnews.com
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.
Central Florida News
Puerto Rican Business Owner Tatiana Fernandez running for Orange County Commission District 8
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) — The Orange County Board of County Commissioners recently approved a new District 8 seat to address the county’s continued population growth and expanding communities.
Tatiana Fernandez officially entered the race for the newly created Orange County Commission District 8 seat after announcing her candidacy on social media and filing the necessary paperwork with the Orange County Supervisor of Elections.
Fernandez Highlights Business, Advocacy, and Community Leadership Experience
Fernandez, a Puerto Rican-born business owner, autism advocate, and community leader, said her campaign is focused on strengthening families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunities throughout Orange County.
“Latinos are shaping the future of America,” Fernandez stated in her campaign announcement. “Together, we can build stronger communities, greater opportunities, and a brighter future for our children.”
Fernandez currently serves on the Orange County Commission on Aging Board, where she advocates for programs and services benefiting seniors throughout the county.
Her professional and community background includes:
• Business owner since 2015 with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and business development.
• Owner of Pantera Technical Services, a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• On-the-job training provider for Florida Vocational Rehabilitation students since 2019.
• Autism advocate serving families in Seminole County since 2007.
• Fully bilingual in English and Spanish.
• Born and raised in Puerto Rico.
• Resident of Florida since 2004 after living in Boston from 1994 to 2000.
• Academic studies in banking, pre-law, finance, government relations, and healthcare administration.
• Volunteer with the Lake Mary High School Robotics Program from 2017 to 2020.
• Registered volunteer for former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales in both Orlando and Tallahassee offices.
• Candidate for Florida’s 7th Congressional District during the 2022 and 2024 election cycles.
Campaign Focused on Families, Seniors, and Small Businesses
Fernandez said Orange County residents deserve leadership that listens to the community and understands the challenges facing working families, senior citizens, and small-business owners.
“Our community deserves leadership that listens, works hard, and truly understands the needs of families, seniors, and small businesses,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to continuing to serve Orange County with integrity, compassion, and dedication.”
She is encouraging supporters to volunteer, share campaign information, and contribute to her effort to represent the newly established district.
Crowded Field Emerges for New District 8 Seat
Fernandez joins a growing field of candidates seeking election to the new Orange County Commission District 8 seat. Other announced candidates include Vic Torres, Jeannette Quinones-Hernandez, Isaiah Louis Anderson, Julio Rocha, and George Haas.
Candidate qualifying is scheduled for June 8-12, 2026. The primary election will be held on August 18, 2026, with voters selecting the first commissioner to represent the newly created district.
The District 8 seat is expected to be one of Orange County’s most closely watched races as candidates compete to represent a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse constituency.
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