Six Haitian and Haitian American candidates are competing across multiple races on Florida's primary ballot Tuesday, seeking positions ranging from Congress to statewide office and representing a growing political presence in the state's electoral landscape.
The candidates are dispersed across both major political parties and are pursuing two gubernatorial nominations and four congressional seats, with several targeting South Florida districts that contain substantial Haitian communities. The races reflect the increasing participation of Haitian Americans in Florida politics, particularly in counties where they represent significant voting blocs. Florida operates as a closed primary state, meaning voters can only participate in the primary of their registered party affiliation, and ballot contents vary depending on voter residence.
In the Democratic primary for the U.S. House seat representing District 20, former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is mounting a comeback campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick made history in 2022 when she became the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress following a special election victory. However, her tenure proved short-lived. She resigned from the position in April 2026 shortly before facing a House Ethics Committee hearing regarding allegations that she misused federal disaster relief funds. Federal prosecutors indicted her in November 2015 in connection with claims that she laundered five million dollars in COVID-19 relief funds into her campaign. She maintains her innocence in the matter.
Cherfilus-McCormick is contending against long-serving Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, rapper and entertainment personality Luther Campbell and teacher and activist Elijah Manley. District 20, newly configured following redistricting, encompasses predominantly Black communities located in central and western sections of Broward County.
On the Republican side of the same district, U.S. Army veteran Rod Joseph is pursuing the party's nomination. Joseph's military background includes service as a Purple Heart recipient. His campaign platform addresses immigration policy, veterans' benefits, education and economic development. Joseph faces competition from Brent Andersen, Lateresa Jones and Carla Spalding in the Republican contest.
District 24 presents another competitive Democratic primary following the retirement decision of longtime Representative Frederica Wilson. The race to succeed her features seven Democratic candidates, including two Haitian Americans. Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime made his own historical marks as the first Haitian American elected to the county commission and later as its first Haitian American chair. Monestime served North Miami-Dade constituents for over a decade and has emphasized affordability, immigration and U.S. diplomatic relations with Haiti and Caribbean nations during his congressional bid.
Physician Rudolph Moise is also seeking the Democratic nomination in District 24. Moise previously campaigned for the seat twice and founded Comprehensive Health Center, where he has worked for decades in South Florida. The Democratic field also includes Miami-Dade County Commission Chairman Oliver Gilbert III, state Senator Shevrin Jones, attorney Kendrick Meek Jr., community arts leader Marshall Davis Sr. and attorney Roderick Vereen. District 24 encompasses Miami Gardens, Opa-Locka, North Miami and Little Haiti, among other communities, making the primary outcome particularly significant for the heavily Democratic district's future representation.
In the gubernatorial races, State Representative Dotie Joseph is pursuing the Democratic nomination for governor. Born in Haiti and relocating to Florida as a child, Joseph has represented House District 108 since 2018. Her background includes work as a civil rights and government attorney and service as president of the Haitian Lawyers Association. Joseph is campaigning on affordability, worker compensation, health care access and educational improvements. She competes against David Jolly, Evelyn Castillo-Bach, Thomas Eloy Fernandez, Dayna Marie Foster and Stephann Norman for the nomination.
On the Republican side, Caneste Succe is running for governor among a crowded field of eleven candidates. Born in Haiti and relocating to the state at 18, Succe has worked as an aircraft mechanic, served in corrections with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office and held a position with the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections. His platform addresses cost of living, insurance rates, economic growth, education and agricultural development.
Polls will open at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m. across the state.
Source: The Haitian Times | Published: Tue, 18 Aug 2026 12:00:26
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