Rita Harris to return to Florida House after beating Daisy Morales

Statewide Primary on Aug. 20

Candidates for Florida House District 44: Daisy Morales and Rita Harris. (Morales and Harris campaigns)

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Democrat Rita Harris will continue to represent south Orange County in the Florida House after winning the universal primary for District 44 Tuesday night.

The Associated Press reports Harris beat Daisy Morales in a rematch, taking 65% of the vote.

Recommended Videos



District 44 includes the portion of Orange County highlighted in red below and includes Universal Orlando Resort, International Drive, SeaWorld and the Orlando International Airport.

[RELATED: Here’s what will be on the Aug. 20 election ballot in Orange County | Florida election voting guide]

Candidate

Votes

%

Jennifer "Rita" Harris *(D)

7,33365%

Daisy Morales (D)

3,94535%
*Incumbent
100% of Precincts Reporting

(32 / 32)

RITA HARRIS: Campaign Website

Harris is the incumbent who unseated Daisy Morales in 2022.

Harris describes herself as “a mother, an advocate, an activist” who started her activism at Planned Parenthood. According to her website, the environment is a top priority.

You can find a list of bills Harris sponsored by session on the Florida House website.

DAISY MORALES: Campaign Website

Morales used to represent the Orange County district until Harris unseated her in 2022 with the backing of local party leaders concerned about some of Morales’ votes in the Legislature. Morales is positing herself as an independent voice for the district.

Morales lists a number of issues she promises to “champion,” including jobs, healthcare, education, housing and veterans.

You can find a list of bills Morales sponsored by session during her time in office on the Florida House website.