As we kickoff Hispanic Heritage month, we have a strong field of Hispanic Democratic candidates who are ready to make their impact in federal, state, and county government.
Starting with our candidate for U.S. Senate, former Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. Originally from Ecuador 🇪🇨, she immigrated to the U.S. with her family and worked her way through school while helping support her household. She is advocating for affordable health care, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and defending women's reproductive rights against Senator Rick Scott's policies.
Current School Board Member Lucia Báez-Geller (Cuban 🇨🇺 / Colombian 🇨🇴) is running for Florida’s 27th Congressional District, challenging María Elvira Salazar. Lucia's platform focuses on restoring order in Congress, growing the middle class, and protecting rights and freedoms. She has been a strong ally advocating for LGBTQ rights, and is critical of Salazar for prioritizing party politics over Florida families.
Max Tuchman (Cuban 🇨🇺), a former public school teacher and tech entrepreneur, is running for Miami-Dade School Board District 7. She aims to invest in early childhood education, increase parental involvement, and improve student safety. A proven leader in education, Max is committed to preparing students for future jobs and fostering innovation in public schools. Her opponent, Mary Blanco, a DeSantis appointee, brings a contrasting political background to the race.
Miami-Dade County elected officials
At the county level, there are four Hispanic Democratic candidates who are looking to serve...
James Reyes (Cuban 🇨🇺), Miami-Dade Sheriff
For the first time in nearly 60 years, voters will be directly electing a Sheriff for Miami-Dade. With 25 years of unwavering commitment to public safety, James has risen through the ranks to become a well-respected leader in the law enforcement community. As the current Chief of Public Safety in Miami-Dade, he oversees a diverse array of critical departments, including Miami-Dade Police, Fire Rescue, and Corrections.
Annette Taddeo (Colombian 🇨🇴), Miami-Dade Clerk of the Court and Comptroller
A tireless advocate for hardworking Floridians who deserve better representation, Annette brings three decades of experience running her own business and a proven track record of public service. She understands the vital role of our Clerk in local government, ensuring that transparency, accountability, and accessibility in our justice system is strong. And now with the addition of Comptroller, Annette will be laser-focused on protecting our residents’ tax dollars and committed to being a steward of our $11.7 billion budget.
Marisol Zenteno (Dominican 🇩🇴), Miami-Dade Property Appraiser
Bringing almost twenty years experience appraising properties in Miami-Dade County as a State General Appraiser, Marisol has spent the last eight years working at the Miami-Dade County Office of the Property Appraiser in various capacities. She is running against Tomas Regalado, the father of a sitting commissioner, and she has raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest.
JC Planas (Cuban 🇨🇺), Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections.
JC has dedicated his career to upholding the fundamental promises of our democracy. He’s fought to make sure our elections are conducted fairly, legally, and with integrity. JC is ready to use his election law expertise, meet the threat to our democracy head on, and serve our community as Miami-Dade’s next Supervisor of Elections.
State Representatives
We have five terrific Hispanic candidates who are looking to represent our community in Tallahassee. From standing up for public education to finding solutions for affordable home insurance, we look to have more Democrats representing our community to block the Republican super majority.
District 112: Jackie Gil-Abarzua (Cuban 🇨🇺)
Jackie is a passionate MDCPS 1st grade teacher, loving mother, and proud Army/Nole mom. As a committed union steward and activist, she is dedicated to restoring the integrity of public education, fighting for accountability, and promoting positive changes for educators and students alike. Jackie believes in equipping students with the skills they need for the future while advocating for balanced assessments and affordable communities in Florida House District 112.
District 113: Jackie Gross-Kellogg (Colombian 🇨🇴)
A lifelong resident of Miami and Key Biscayne, she has deep roots in the community where she and her husband have raised their three children. With a passion for art, sports, and environmental advocacy, Jackie currently serves as the Program Manager at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, fostering environmental education and sustainability. Her legislative priorities include expanding access to healthcare, improving educational opportunities, ensuring recreational safety, boosting the economy, and advocating for common sense gun safety.
District 115: Norma Perez Schwartz (Nicaraguan 🇳🇮)
Norma is a passionate advocate for education and community service with over 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Her journey reflects her resilience and dedication, balancing her career, education, and family life while advocating for policies that uplift learners, families, and teachers. Shaped by her Nicaraguan immigrant roots, Norma remains committed to addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, reproductive rights, and environmental protection, striving to build a stronger, more equitable Miami-Dade for all residents.
District 116: Nicolas Ramos (Cuban 🇨🇺)
Nicolas is a first time candidate who is challenging Republican incumbent Danny Perez. Frustrated with the inaction of Republicans in Tallahassee on issues that impact the daily lives of Floridians, Nicolas has stepped up to run for office.
District 119: Marcos Reyes (Cuban 🇨🇺)
Marcos, a small business owner and father of four girls, is running to bring meaningful change to Florida, with a focus on reducing the cost of living, particularly in Miami-Dade County. He is committed to addressing the soaring housing, rental, and insurance costs that have placed undue pressure on families in HD119 and throughout the state. By working across party lines, Marcos seeks to make homeownership and renting more affordable while protecting a woman's right to choose and investing in public education for a better future.
We invite you to support their campaigns and look forward to seeing more Hispanic Democrats in office.
Sign up for email updates, and join us at county and local club meetings to learn how to get more involved.