Air Force Colonel and Former Haiti Ambassador Dr. Rudolph Moise Eyes Run for South Florida’s 20th Congressional District

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. (FNN) — According to the Tallahassee Democrat, calls for resignation or removal are intensifying against two members of Florida’s congressional delegation: Rep. Cory Mills, a Central Florida Republican, and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a South Florida Democrat.

Mills faces domestic violence accusations and a restraining order issued against him. Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted earlier this month on charges alleging she stole $5 million from FEMA.

Both lawmakers deny wrongdoing and show no signs of stepping aside.

Their mounting legal and political troubles have accelerated conversations about new leadership, particularly in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

One name gaining momentum is Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise, a Miami physician, attorney, decorated U.S. Air Force colonel, former Haiti ambassador-at-large, business leader, humanitarian and prominent Democratic donor.

NBC Miami previously profiled Moise, highlighting his career and how he exemplifies the Haitian American dream.

Supporters across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Orlando are urging him to enter the 2026 race, citing his extensive experience and longstanding service to Haitian American and Caribbean communities. In a recent phone call with Florida National News, Moise confirmed he has been approached by religious leaders, business leaders and grassroots organizers encouraging him to run.

WHO IS DR. RUDY MOISE?

Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise moved to the United States at age 17 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. After arriving in Miami, he received a federal grant to complete his medical studies, which required him to serve in communities heavily populated by newly arrived Haitian refugees—areas lacking Creole-speaking physicians.

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HEALTH CARE CAREER

Moise spent four years treating Haitian refugees at a Miami clinic before opening his own 800-square-foot medical practice in North Miami. That small office grew into a multi-location Comprehensive Health Center spanning more than 10,000 square feet.

He later earned both an MBA and a JD from the University of Miami. During the 1980s, he also served as an on-call surgeon for the hit television series Miami Vice. Today, Moise serves as Medical Director of Comprehensive Medical Aesthetics in Miami.

MILITARY SERVICE

After receiving his law degree, Moise volunteered for the U.S. Air Force Reserve, where he served for 21 years as a flight surgeon. He rose to the rank of colonel—the highest rank ever achieved by an American of Haitian descent at that time. In 2023, Moise received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Joe Biden for his decades of service.

BUSINESS, MEDIA, AND COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

Moise has invested in more than 20 businesses, including an ambulance company and a film production firm. In 2001, he founded Miami’s first full-time Creole-language radio station, Radio Carnivale (1020 AM). He also served as President of the University of Miami Alumni Association from 2003 to 2005 and sits on numerous boards supporting education, health equity, and Caribbean affairs.

POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT AND DIPLOMATIC SERVICE

Moise provided testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee amid Haiti’s crisis in 2003. In 2004, Gov. Jeb Bush appointed him to an advisory group supporting Haiti.

Moise previously ran for Congress in 2010 and 2012, investing $1 million of his own funds in his second bid. He is also recognized as a high-profile Democratic fundraiser, hosting major events at his Davie home for leaders including Reps. Frederica Wilson and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

In 2014, Haitian President Michel Martelly appointed Moise as Ambassador-at-Large for Investment, elevating his role in international diplomacy and economic development.

HUMANITARIAN WORK

Moise has been deeply involved in humanitarian relief efforts across the Caribbean. He was on the ground in Haiti after the devastating 2010 earthquake, coordinating medical support and delivering emergency aid. In 2025, he joined a team of 20 volunteers in Jamaica for the Hurricane Melissa response, delivering 15,000 pounds of life-saving supplies.

POSSIBLE CONTENDERS AND CANDIDATES FOR FL-20

Alongside Moise, several other potential contenders are gaining attention for the 2026 race. According to FloridaPolitics.com, names under consideration include:

• Bobby Powell, Palm Beach County Commissioner
• Edwin Ferguson, Palm Beach County School Board Member
• Melissa McKinlay, former Palm Beach County Commissioner
• Keith James, Mayor of West Palm Beach

Declared candidates for the seat currently include:

• Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Incumbent)
• Elijah Manley (D) — raised nearly $600,000
• Dale Holness (D) — former Broward County Commissioner and Mayor

Filed Republicans:

• Sendra Dorce
• Rod Joseph
• Gary Stein

As discussions intensify, Florida’s 20th Congressional District is poised for one of the most consequential and potentially historic races in 2026.

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J Willie David, III | News@FloridaNationalNews.com