Former Air Force Colonel Dr. Rudy Moise challenges US Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Rudolph “Rudy” Moise, a physician, attorney and retired U.S. Air Force colonel, announced his candidacy for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, setting up a challenge to U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in the 2026 election.
Moise, a South Florida serial entrepreneur whose career spans medicine, law, military service, foreign affairs, media and film, said he is running to restore trust in public office and expand opportunity across the district.
Florida’s 20th Congressional District includes communities in Broward and Palm Beach counties and is considered one of the most diverse districts in the nation.
From Immigrant to US Military Colonel
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise immigrated to the United States at age 17.
He said he attended school during the day and worked at night, earning a premedical degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. He later obtained both an MBA and a law degree from the University of Miami before joining the U.S. Air Force.
Moise served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve as a flight surgeon, rising to the rank of colonel. At the time, he became one of the first Haitian Americans to achieve that rank.
A Platform Focused on Service and Opportunity
“I am running for Congress because I believe deeply in the promise of this country,” Moise said in a statement announcing his campaign.
He said his platform will focus on restoring faith in government, supporting veterans and military families, expanding economic opportunity and strengthening access to health care.
“As a physician, I have seen firsthand the inequities in our health care system,” Moise said. “As a colonel, I understand leadership, discipline and sacrifice. And as an immigrant, I understand what it means to fight for opportunity.”
A Competitive Race in CD 20
Moise enters a competitive race in a district that has historically leaned Democratic.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who was first elected in a special election, is seeking re-election. The South Florida seat has drawn multiple challengers, including Rap pioneer Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell, former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness; and civic activist Elijah Manley.
Republican candidates include Sendra Dorce, Joseph Rodenay and Gary Stein. Independent candidate Kedner Maxime and write-in candidate Kevin McClellan have also entered the race.
Moise said he plans to begin a district-wide listening tour in the coming weeks, meeting with veterans, seniors, small business owners, faith leaders, educators and working families to shape what he described as a “people-centered agenda.”
“This campaign is about restoring faith in leadership,” Moise said. “It is about standing up for those who work hard, serve honorably and simply want a fair shot.”