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.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal have introduced the Right to Record Act, federal legislation aimed at protecting Americans’ First Amendment rights to record, observe, and peacefully protest federal law enforcement activities.

The legislation would establish a legal pathway for individuals to sue federal law enforcement officers who violate constitutional rights while citizens are lawfully recording government activity.

According to the bill’s sponsors, the measure is intended to strengthen government transparency and accountability by protecting the public’s ability to document interactions with federal agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Growing Concerns Over Transparency

The legislation comes amid ongoing protests and demonstrations outside the Delaney Hall detention facility in New Jersey, where advocates, journalists, and community members have reported instances of harassment while attempting to document conditions at the facility.

Supporters of the bill argue that Americans currently face significant legal barriers when seeking accountability for constitutional rights violations committed by individual federal officers.

“The First Amendment protects the rights to assemble, protest, and record government officials in public,” Frost said. “That right has never been more important. Without firsthand recordings, false narratives can become the official story. The Right to Record Act would protect the public’s ability to expose the truth without fear and provide a legal remedy when constitutional rights are violated.”

Strengthening First Amendment Protections

Blumenthal said video recordings have played a critical role in documenting alleged misconduct by government officials and ensuring public accountability.

“The right to bear witness has never been more important,” Blumenthal said. “This legislation strengthens the rights to record, observe, and peacefully protest while creating meaningful enforcement mechanisms for First Amendment protections that are foundational to our democracy.”

Civil Rights Organizations Back Legislation

The bill has received support from civil rights and immigrant advocacy organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Florida Immigration Coalition (FLIC).

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel for the ACLU, said the ability to observe and document law enforcement activities is essential for government accountability.

“The right to observe and record law enforcement is fundamental to our democracy,” Leventoff said. “Americans cannot hold government accountable if they cannot see for themselves what government officials are doing in their communities.”

Supporters say the legislation would help ensure transparency, deter misconduct, and provide Americans with stronger legal protections when exercising their First Amendment rights.

Key Provisions of the Right to Record Act

• Protects the right to record federal law enforcement officers performing official duties in public.
• Protects the rights to observe and peacefully protest government activity.
• Creates a civil cause of action allowing individuals to sue federal officers who violate these constitutional rights.
• Strengthens accountability and transparency within federal agencies.
• Provides legal remedies for Americans whose First Amendment rights are infringed.

The legislation has been introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate and awaits further congressional consideration.