Rod Joseph
Rod Joseph (Republican Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Florida's 20th Congressional District. He declared candidacy for the 2026 election.[source]
Joseph is a Haitian immigrant and U.S. Army veteran. His civilian experience includes used car sales, security services, and political consulting.[1] In the Army, Joseph served as a paralegal, ordnance officer, and paratrooper.[1][2]
Joseph ran as a Democrat to represent District 36 of the Florida House of Representatives in 2022, losing 70%-30% to Deborah Poulalion (D) in the primary. He ran for United States Senate in 2024, winning 5% of the vote in the Democratic primary on August 20, 2024.
On September 18, 2024, Joseph announced his switch to the Republican Party and endorsed Rick Scott (R) for re-election in the U.S. Senate race.
Biography
Rod Joseph was born in Haiti. He served in the U.S. Army and is a Purple Heart recipient. He earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and forensics, and master's degrees in military studies, history of war, and diplomacy and military studies.[3] Joseph was a used car dealer prior to his Army service and has also worked in security and as a political consultant.[1]
Elections
2026
See also: Florida's 20th Congressional District election, 2026
General election
The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.
General election for U.S. House Florida District 20
Incumbent Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Dale Holness, Elijah Manley, Sendra Dorce, and Rod Joseph are running in the general election for U.S. House Florida District 20 on November 3, 2026.
Candidate | ||
![]() | Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) | |
![]() | Dale Holness (D) | |
![]() | Elijah Manley (D) ![]() | |
![]() | Sendra Dorce (R) | |
![]() | Rod Joseph (R) |
![]() | ||||
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Endorsements
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2024
See also: United States Senate election in Florida, 2024
General election
General election for U.S. Senate Florida
The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Florida on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Scott (R) | 55.6 | 5,977,706 |
![]() | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D) ![]() | 42.8 | 4,603,077 | |
![]() | Ben Everidge (No Party Affiliation) ![]() | 0.6 | 62,683 | |
![]() | Feena Bonoan (L) ![]() | 0.5 | 57,363 | |
![]() | Tuan Nguyen (No Party Affiliation) ![]() | 0.5 | 56,586 | |
![]() | Howard Knepper (No Party Affiliation) (Write-in) | 0.0 | 13 |
Total votes: 10,757,428 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Shantele Bennett (No Party Affiliation)
- Grace Granda (No Party Affiliation)
- Marcos Reyes (No Party Affiliation)
- A.C. Toulme (One Earth Party)
- Mason Cysewski (G)
- Salomon Hernandez (No Party Affiliation)
- Randy Toler (G)
- Samir Hazza (No Party Affiliation)
- James Davis (No Party Affiliation)
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Florida
Debbie Mucarsel-Powell defeated Stanley Campbell, Brian Rush, and Rod Joseph in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Florida on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Debbie Mucarsel-Powell ![]() | 68.5 | 747,397 |
![]() | Stanley Campbell ![]() | 19.6 | 213,777 | |
![]() | Brian Rush | 6.7 | 73,013 | |
![]() | Rod Joseph | 5.2 | 56,961 |
Total votes: 1,091,148 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Donald Horan (D)
- Everett Stern (D)
- Chase Anderson Romagnano (D)
- Josue Larose (D)
- Matthew Sanscrainte (D)
- Bernard Korn (D)
- Alan Grayson (D)
- Matt Boswell (D)
- Phil Ehr (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for U.S. Senate Florida
Incumbent Rick Scott defeated Keith Gross and John Columbus in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Florida on August 20, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rick Scott | 84.4 | 1,283,904 |
![]() | Keith Gross ![]() | 9.4 | 142,392 | |
![]() | John Columbus ![]() | 6.3 | 95,342 |
Total votes: 1,521,638 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Katy Sun (R)
- Angela Marie Walls-Windhauser (R)
- Shannon O'Dell (R)
- Patricia Krentcil (R)
- Joe Smith (R)
Libertarian primary election
The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Feena Bonoan advanced from the Libertarian primary for U.S. Senate Florida.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Joseph in this election.
2022
See also: Florida House of Representatives elections, 2022
General election
General election for Florida House of Representatives District 36
Rachel Plakon defeated Deborah Poulalion in the general election for Florida House of Representatives District 36 on November 8, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rachel Plakon (R) ![]() | 54.6 | 33,934 |
![]() | Deborah Poulalion (D) ![]() | 45.4 | 28,162 |
Total votes: 62,096 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 36
Deborah Poulalion defeated Rod Joseph in the Democratic primary for Florida House of Representatives District 36 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Deborah Poulalion ![]() | 69.8 | 8,159 |
![]() | Rod Joseph | 30.2 | 3,533 |
Total votes: 11,692 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
- Gretchen Hobkirk (D)
Republican primary election
Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 36
Rachel Plakon defeated Richard Santos and Angelique Perry in the Republican primary for Florida House of Representatives District 36 on August 23, 2022.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
✔ | ![]() | Rachel Plakon ![]() | 65.2 | 8,801 |
![]() | Richard Santos ![]() | 28.4 | 3,827 | |
![]() | Angelique Perry ![]() | 6.4 | 867 |
Total votes: 13,495 | ||||
![]() | ||||
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates
Campaign finance
Campaign themes
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
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2024
Rod Joseph did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign website
Joseph’s campaign website stated the following:
“ |
Navigating The Path To Progress: Our Commitment To Key Issues Immigration Reform Moreover, I would work to address the root causes of migration by fostering economic development and stability in countries where migrants originate. By investing in diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, we can help create conditions that reduce the need for individuals to flee their homes. On the domestic front, I would promote policies that integrate immigrants into our society, such as providing access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities, and protecting their rights. These measures not only uphold our nation’s values but also strengthen our economy and enrich our communities. Climate Furthermore, I will prioritize climate resilience and adaptation strategies to protect Florida’s communities and natural ecosystems from the inevitable impacts of climate change. This includes advocating for increased federal funding for coastal restoration, infrastructure improvements to withstand extreme weather events, and support for communities disproportionately affected by climate-related disasters. I will push for policies that promote sustainable agriculture and protect our water resources, recognizing the interconnectedness of our environment and economy. By addressing climate change proactively and comprehensively, we can safeguard our future, create green jobs, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. Criminal Justice Reform Furthermore, I will champion policies that aim to reduce recidivism and support reintegration into society for formerly incarcerated individuals. This includes promoting access to education, job training, and employment opportunities, as well as restoring voting rights to those who have served their sentences. I will also advocate for increased funding for public defenders and reforms to the bail system, ensuring that no one is unjustly detained due to an inability to pay. By addressing these critical areas, we can create a more just and equitable criminal justice system that upholds the principles of fairness and rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to safer and more thriving communities. Education Additionally, I would push for reforms that increase parental and community involvement in schools. Establishing strong partnerships between schools, families, and local businesses can create a supportive learning environment and provide students with real-world learning opportunities. Implementing programs that engage parents in their children’s education and encourage community volunteerism in schools can foster a sense of shared responsibility and investment in student success. By creating a collaborative atmosphere and ensuring that the educational system addresses the diverse needs of Florida’s population, these reforms would promote a more inclusive and effective educational experience for all residents. Health Care Beyond Medicare expansion, I will push for comprehensive healthcare reform that includes strengthening the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to provide greater protections and coverage for all Floridians. This includes expanding Medicaid in Florida, ensuring that low-income individuals and families have access to necessary healthcare services. I will support policies that address healthcare disparities, improve mental health services, and ensure rural and underserved communities receive adequate healthcare resources. By focusing on preventive care, reducing costs, and improving access, we can create a more equitable and efficient healthcare system that protects seniors and all residents, ensuring a healthier Florida for generations to come. Cut Spending & Reducing National Debt Furthermore, I would advocate for policies that promote economic growth and revenue generation, such as tax reforms that close loopholes, simplify the tax code, and ensure that corporations and high-income individuals pay their fair share. By fostering a stronger economy and expanding the tax base, we can increase government revenue without resorting to harmful austerity measures that disproportionately impact vulnerable populations. Additionally, I would prioritize policies that promote long-term fiscal stability, such as investing in education, workforce development, and innovation to enhance our competitiveness and productivity. Through a balanced approach that combines spending cuts with revenue-raising measures and strategic investments, we can put our nation on a path toward fiscal sustainability and ensure a brighter future for generations to come. Jobs And The Economy Furthermore, I would advocate for infrastructure improvements to support business expansion and attract new investments. Enhancing transportation networks, expanding broadband access, and upgrading public utilities are crucial for facilitating commerce and improving the overall business climate. Streamlining regulatory processes and offering incentives for small businesses can also spur entrepreneurial activity and job creation. By fostering a business-friendly environment and addressing the needs of modern industries, these strategies would help Florida build a more dynamic and sustainable economy, benefiting all its residents. Veterans & Military Families Furthermore, I would prioritize legislation that enhances educational benefits for veterans and their families, ensuring they have access to quality education and vocational training opportunities. This includes advocating for the expansion of the GI Bill and supporting initiatives that provide scholarships and tuition assistance to veterans and their dependents. Additionally, I would work to streamline the transition process for veterans entering the civilian workforce, making it easier for them to translate their military skills and experiences into meaningful career opportunities. By advocating for comprehensive support programs and policies, I would strive to honor the sacrifices made by veterans and military families while ensuring they receive the care and resources they deserve. Reproductive Rights In addition, I will advocate for policies that address the broader spectrum of women’s health and economic well-being. This includes pushing for paid family leave, affordable childcare, and equal pay for equal work, recognizing that reproductive rights are deeply interconnected with economic and social justice. By ensuring women have control over their reproductive choices, we empower them to pursue their education and career goals, contributing to the overall economic strength and vitality of our communities. I will also work to improve access to healthcare and education, particularly in underserved communities, to ensure all women have the resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. Furthermore, we must advocate for aftercare mental and healthcare support for women who personally decide to terminate their pregnancies legally. “Pregnancy termination is not just a medical procedure; it is also an emotionally and mentally challenging experience.” Ensuring that women have access to mental health services and comprehensive post-abortion care is crucial for their overall well-being. By providing this support, we acknowledge and address the full spectrum of needs women may have, reinforcing our commitment to their health, dignity, and autonomy. National Security & Defense Furthermore, my experience as a veteran would allow me to connect with and advocate for Florida’s substantial veteran population. Understanding the challenges faced by veterans, I could champion initiatives aimed at improving their access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. By promoting comprehensive veteran support programs, I would ensure that those who have served our country are given the resources and respect they deserve. This dual focus on national security and veteran affairs would not only enhance the well-being of Florida’s residents but also contribute to the overall safety and security of the nation. Voting Rights Additionally, I would work to counteract efforts to disenfranchise voters through restrictive laws and policies. This involves challenging voter ID laws, purges of voter rolls, and other tactics that disproportionately impact marginalized communities. Collaborating with civil rights organizations and using my platform to raise awareness about these issues would be crucial in mobilizing public support and ensuring fair voting practices. Moreover, I would advocate for greater transparency and security in our electoral process, including the protection against foreign interference and the implementation of robust auditing systems. By prioritizing voting rights and fighting against disenfranchisement, I would help safeguard the integrity of our democratic system. Agriculture Furthermore, I would advocate for policies that address labor shortages and support the agricultural workforce, including immigrant farmworkers who play a vital role in Florida’s agriculture industry. This includes supporting comprehensive immigration reform that provides a pathway to legal status for undocumented workers and ensures a reliable and skilled labor force for farmers. Additionally, I would work to streamline visa programs and increase access to temporary agricultural workers, while also promoting fair wages, labor protections, and access to healthcare and other essential services for farmworkers. By addressing these critical issues, we can strengthen Florida’s agriculture industry, ensure the sustainability and viability of family farms, and promote economic prosperity for rural communities across the state. Working Across The Aisle Moreover, I would actively seek out opportunities to co-sponsor and support legislation introduced by colleagues from both sides of the aisle if it benefits the people of Florida. This could involve participating in bipartisan working groups, committees, and caucuses focused on specific issues impacting the state. By transcending party lines and working collaboratively with fellow senators, I would aim to deliver tangible results and meaningful improvements to the lives of Florida’s residents, demonstrating a commitment to effective governance and putting the interests of the state above partisan politics. [4] |
” |
—Rod Joseph’s campaign website (2024)[5] |
2022
Rod Joseph did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Noteworthy events
Switches from Democratic to Republican Party (2024)
On September 18, 2024, Joseph announced he would switch to the Republican party and endorsed Rick Scott (R) for re-election to the United States Senate.[6]
Joseph said, "For far too long, the Democratic party has taken us immigrants for granted and used us as political prawns each election season. I call upon all my fellow Haitians to join me and re-elect the U.S. Senator Rick Scott to represent the state of Florida."[6]
Joseph's 2026 campaign website stated, "Rod Joseph switched from Democrat to Republican because he saw that liberal policies were failing our communities. While Democrats continue to make empty promises, Rod believes in real solutions—more jobs, safer streets, lower taxes, and stronger family values. District 20 deserves leadership that delivers results, not rhetoric."[7]
See also
2026 Elections
External links
Candidate U.S. House Florida District 20 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Linkedin, "Rodenay (Rod) Joseph," accessed May 28, 2025
- ↑ Facebook, "University of Hawaii Army ROTC on September 9, 2016," accessed May 28, 2025
- ↑ Rod Joseph for U.S Senate, "Meet Dr. Rod," accessed July 30, 2024
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Rod Joseph’s campaign website, “Issues,” accessed July 30, 2024
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Florida Phoenix, "Former Senate Democratic candidate switches parties and endorses Rick Scott," September 18, 2024
- ↑ Rod Joseph 2026 campaign website, "Why I'm Running," accessed May 28, 2025