Florida
Vilchez Santiago Wins Union Backing; Daisy Morales Says Voters — Not Political Endorsements — Decide Elections
Published
2 hours agoon
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 intensified this week after candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations, prompting former State Rep. Daisy Morales to respond that while endorsements are important, elections are ultimately decided by voters.
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations, including the Florida AFL-CIO, Central Florida AFL-CIO, SEIU Florida, the Florida Education Association, the Orange County Fire Fighters Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625, the Orange County Classroom Teachers Association, the United Auto Workers, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606, the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517, SMART Transportation Division PAC, and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He said the endorsements were especially meaningful because he grew up in a union household.
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago said he would continue advocating for workers’ rights and policies that strengthen Florida’s middle class if elected.
Morales Congratulates Opponent, Recognizes Union Members
In response, Morales congratulated Vilchez Santiago on receiving the endorsements while recognizing the contributions of organized labor across Florida.
“I congratulate Mr. Vilchez Santiago on earning the support of these organizations and appreciate every group that participates in our democratic process,” Morales said.
Morales praised union members working as teachers, firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, skilled trades workers, transportation employees and others who contribute to Florida’s economy.
“Every worker deserves respect, opportunity, safe workplaces, fair wages, and the opportunity to achieve the American Dream.”
Morales Points to 2020 Democratic Primary
Morales said endorsements are valued but do not determine election outcomes.
She cited the 2020 Democratic Primary for Florida House District 48, when Vilchez Santiago received endorsements from elected officials, political organizations and advocacy groups before Morales defeated him and three other Democratic candidates to win the Democratic nomination.
Following that election, Florida Politics wrote that endorsements “didn’t matter” after Morales emerged victorious.
“That election demonstrated a principle that remains true today,” Morales said. “Political endorsements are valued expressions of support, but they never replace the judgment of the voters. The people—not political insiders or special interests—have the final say on Election Day.”
Morales later won the general election and represented House District 48 from 2020 to 2022.
Contrasting Campaign Messages
The exchange highlights the different messages each campaign is emphasizing as the Aug. 18 Democratic primary approaches.
Vilchez Santiago has focused on labor support, workers’ rights, affordability, housing, healthcare and reducing the influence of special interests.
Morales has centered her campaign on her legislative experience, bipartisan record and accomplishments during her term in the Florida House.
Morales said her official legislative record includes sponsoring and co-sponsoring more than 110 bills during the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions and helping secure more than $12.5 million in state appropriations supporting higher education, healthcare, workforce development, nonprofit organizations, infrastructure improvements and community projects.
Among the legislative priorities Morales highlighted were educational opportunities for disabled veterans, property tax relief, consumer protection, public safety, workforce development, healthcare initiatives, infrastructure investments and services benefiting veterans, seniors and individuals with disabilities.
“Working families deserve representatives who deliver results—not just campaign promises,” Morales said.
Leadership and Experience
Morales said voters should evaluate candidates based on their accomplishments in public office.
“There is a clear difference in this race. My opponent is asking voters to consider who has endorsed his campaign. I am asking voters to examine my record of public service, legislative accomplishments, and proven results. Experience matters because results matter.”
She encouraged voters to review her official legislative record on the Florida House of Representatives website, which includes sponsored and co-sponsored legislation, committee assignments, voting history and appropriations.
Primary Election Approaches
The Democratic primary for Florida House District 43 will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
House District 43 includes portions of east Orange County, including Azalea Park, Union Park, Alafaya, Orlando, Rio Pinar and surrounding communities.
Both campaigns are expected to continue emphasizing their respective strengths as voters begin casting ballots in one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
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Florida
Alex Vindman Campaign Highlights New Endorsements, Fundraising in Florida U.S. Senate Race
Published
8 hours agoon
July 10, 2026
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman is highlighting growing campaign momentum following a series of endorsements, strong second-quarter fundraising and recent polling showing a competitive race against Republican Ashley Moody.
Campaign Raises $8.5 Million in Second Quarter
Vindman’s campaign announced it raised $8.5 million during the second quarter of 2026 from more than 114,000 unique donors.
According to the campaign, the average contribution was $35, which it says reflects broad grassroots support as the Senate race intensifies.
Veterans Caucus Endorses Vindman
The Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida endorsed Vindman on July 10, citing his military service and leadership.
“Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alex Vindman has committed his life to serving our nation and protecting our freedoms,” said Democratic Veterans Caucus President Danny Fuqua. “During his 21-year Army career, he served presidents of both parties, and we know he will focus on representing Floridians, not special interests.”
Vindman thanked the organization and pledged to focus on lowering costs for Floridians, combating corruption in Washington and supporting veterans.
Debra Tendrich Announces Endorsement
On July 8, Lake Worth Beach Commissioner Debra Tendrich endorsed Vindman, describing him as an independent-minded leader who would prioritize Florida families.
“Floridians deserve leaders like Alex who will stand up for our interests,” Tendrich said.
Vindman contrasted his campaign with Republican opponent Ashley Moody, saying he would focus on reducing housing, insurance and utility costs while refusing contributions from corporate special interests.
State Sen. Tina Polsky Backs Campaign
State Sen. Tina Polsky became the latest Democratic lawmaker to endorse Vindman on July 6.
Polsky praised Vindman’s willingness to challenge corruption and said he would fight for affordable health care and lower costs for Floridians.
Vindman reiterated his campaign’s message that he will not accept contributions from corporate political action committees and will focus on addressing rising living expenses.
Competitive Senate Race
The campaign said multiple recent polls show Vindman running in a competitive contest against Republican Ashley Moody, setting the stage for one of Florida’s most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle.
The general election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.
Central Florida News
Labor Unions Back Samuel Vilchez Santiago as Democratic Primary Battle With Daisy Morales Intensifies
Published
1 day agoon
July 9, 2026
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Democratic candidate Samuel Vilchez Santiago has announced endorsements from a coalition of labor organizations as he seeks the Democratic nomination for Florida House District 43, setting up a high-profile primary contest against former State Rep. Daisy Morales.
The endorsements come as both candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of Florida’s Aug. 18 Democratic Primary, where voters will decide who advances to the November general election.
Broad Labor Coalition Backs Vilchez Santiago
Vilchez Santiago announced support from 12 labor organizations representing workers in education, healthcare, public safety, transportation, construction and other industries.
The endorsing organizations include:
- Florida AFL-CIO
- Central Florida AFL-CIO
- SEIU Florida
- Florida Education Association
- Orange County Fire Fighters Association
- United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1625
- Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
- United Auto Workers
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 606
- Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 517
- SMART Transportation Division PAC
- Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1596
Vilchez Santiago: ‘These Endorsements Are Deeply Personal’
In announcing the endorsements, Vilchez Santiago said organized labor has shaped both his family’s experience and his policy priorities.
“I am incredibly honored to earn the support of these outstanding labor organizations,” Vilchez Santiago said.
He added:
“These endorsements are deeply personal to me. As someone who grew up in a union household, I understand firsthand that unions create pathways into the middle class and give working families the opportunity to build a better future.”
Vilchez Santiago pledged to continue advocating for workers’ rights if elected to the Florida House.
Primary Contest Revives Familiar Political Rivalry
The endorsements add another chapter to an increasingly competitive Democratic primary between Vilchez Santiago and Morales.
The two candidates previously faced each other in the 2020 Democratic primary for what was then Florida House District 48. Morales defeated Vilchez Santiago and went on to win the general election, serving one term in the Florida House from 2020 to 2022.
Following legislative redistricting, both candidates are now seeking the Democratic nomination in House District 43, creating a rematch between two well-known Democratic figures in Central Florida politics.
Competing Messages to Democratic Voters
Vilchez Santiago has centered his campaign on issues including workers’ rights, affordable housing, healthcare access and support for organized labor.
Morales has emphasized her legislative record, highlighting more than 110 bills she sponsored or co-sponsored that became law, as well as funding secured for local projects during her time in office. Her campaign has argued that voters should compare legislative accomplishments and experience when choosing their next state representative.
The labor endorsements provide Vilchez Santiago with additional organizational support as both campaigns work to mobilize Democratic voters before early voting begins.
Key Background
Samuel Vilchez Santiago
- Democrat seeking election to Florida House District 43.
- Former chairman of the Orange County Democratic Party.
- Previously served as Senior Manager at ActBlue.
- Was the Democratic nominee defeated by Daisy Morales in the 2020 House District 48 primary.
Daisy Morales
- Former Florida State Representative (2020–2022).
- Former Orange County Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor.
- Campaigning on her legislative experience, bipartisan accomplishments and record of securing funding for Central Florida communities.
Race to Watch
Florida House District 43 is expected to be one of Central Florida’s most closely watched Democratic legislative primaries.
With endorsements, fundraising and voter outreach accelerating, both candidates are expected to continue drawing support from elected officials, community organizations and advocacy groups throughout the campaign.
The Democratic primary will be held Aug. 18, 2026, with early voting scheduled for Aug. 3–16. The winner will advance to the Nov. 3, 2026, general election.
Florida
DeSantis Announces Florida’s First Terrorist Organization Designations Under New State Law
Published
4 days agoon
July 6, 2026
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Governor Ron DeSantis announced Tuesday that Florida will begin implementing new statutory authority to identify, designate and combat terrorist organizations operating within the state, marking the first use of powers granted under HB 1471.
The announcement follows the governor’s signing of HB 1471 earlier this year, creating a permanent legal framework allowing the state to designate terrorist organizations and establish enforcement mechanisms under Florida law.
“Last December, I signed an Executive Order to eliminate the influence of radical terrorist ideologies and the organizations that promote them in Florida. This year, I signed legislation to strengthen those protections and give Florida permanent statutory tools to combat terrorism while defending the Constitutional rights of our citizens,” DeSantis said.
“Today, we are officially designating terrorist organizations under Florida law. In addition to CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood, we are adding Antifa to the list—along with more than 90 Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including cartels.”
State Expands Anti-Terrorism Efforts
According to the governor’s office, Florida has prioritized efforts to protect state institutions, safeguard constitutional rights and prevent foreign and extremist influence from taking root in the state.
In December, DeSantis signed an executive order directing state agencies to eliminate the influence of organizations identified by the administration as promoting radical terrorist ideologies. The order directed agencies to deny taxpayer funding, contracts, employment and other public support to designated organizations where authorized by law and instructed state and local agencies to use all lawful tools available to prevent such organizations from operating in Florida.
Florida Department of Law Enforcement Commissioner Mark Glass said identifying threats is critical to public safety.
“Keeping our community safe starts with identifying the threat,” Glass said. “The safety of our community is strengthened by that knowledge every day, and reinforced by the collaboration between our officers, our federal partners, and—most importantly—the people we serve.”
Key Provisions of HB 1471
Under the legislation, Florida:
- Establishes a formal terrorist designation process through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
- Prohibits taxpayer-funded institutions from supporting or promoting designated terrorist organizations.
- Ensures foreign or religious legal codes cannot supersede the U.S. or Florida constitutions in Florida courts.
- Creates state enforcement mechanisms and criminal penalties for knowingly providing material support to designated terrorist organizations.
The law authorizes the governor and Cabinet to designate terrorist organizations based on recommendations from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief of Domestic Security.
Organizations Recommended for Designation
Based on recommendations from Florida domestic security officials, DeSantis announced the intent to designate the following organizations under Florida law:
- Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
- Muslim Brotherhood
- Antifa
State officials also recommended designating more than 90 federally recognized Foreign Terrorist Organizations, including:
- Sinaloa Cartel
- Tren de Aragua
- Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
- Cartel del Noreste
- Gulf Cartel
What Happens Next
The proposed designations must be confirmed by the Florida Cabinet before taking effect under state law.
Once approved, state and local governments would be prohibited from providing taxpayer funding, contracts or other public support to designated organizations. Public colleges, universities, school districts and other publicly funded institutions also would be barred from using public resources to support or promote designated organizations.
Additionally, organizations designated under Florida law may be subject to dissolution as authorized by statute, and individuals who knowingly provide material support or resources to designated organizations could face criminal penalties under state law.
Source: Office of Governor Ron DeSantis
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#Florida #RonDeSantis #FloridaNews #FNNNews #PublicSafety #HomelandSecurity #FDLE #HB1471 #Counterterrorism #StateGovernment #FloridaPolitics #LawEnforcement #NationalSecurity #Tampa #BreakingNews
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