Lincoln Díaz-Balart, Former Cuban-American Congressman, Passes Away

Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a former Cuban-American congressman, passed away this Monday in Miami, as reported by his brother Mario on social media. "With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Lincoln Díaz-Balart," Mario shared on his X account. "His deep love for the United States and unwavering commitment to the cause of a free Cuba guided Lincoln throughout his life and his 24 years of elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives," he added in a statement.

Born on August 13, 1954, in Havana, Lincoln Rafael Díaz-Balart y Caballero dedicated his life to public service and the promotion of democracy in his homeland. He was the son of Cuban politician Rafael Díaz-Balart and Hilda Caballero Brunet, and the nephew of Mirta Díaz-Balart, Fidel Castro's first wife, making Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart his cousin.

Lincoln emigrated as a child to the United States following the Cuban revolution in 1959. He studied at the American School of Madrid, New College of Florida, and earned a law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Before entering politics, he practiced law in Miami, providing legal assistance to those with limited resources. Initially a Democrat, he switched his affiliation to the Republican Party in 1985.

Political Journey and Advocacy

He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1986 and subsequently to the Florida Senate in 1989. In 1992, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida's 21st congressional district, a position he held until his retirement in 2011. His younger brother, Mario Díaz-Balart, succeeded him.

During his tenure in the legislative body, Díaz-Balart was known for his advocacy for immigrant rights and his staunch opposition to the Cuban regime. He was a sponsor of the Homeland Security Act and the DREAM Act, which aimed to facilitate higher education access for immigrant students.

Legacy and Personal Life

"A defender of the oppressed and silenced, author of the democratic requirement for lifting U.S. sanctions against the Cuban dictatorship, and author of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). Lincoln's legacy of achievements will endure for generations and continues..." Mario Díaz-Balart reflected in his message.

Beyond his legislative work, Lincoln Díaz-Balart was actively involved with the Instituto La Rosa Blanca, an organization dedicated to promoting the democratization of Cuba and honoring the memory of those who fought against Fidel Castro's regime. This institute was founded in January 1959 by his father, Rafael Díaz-Balart, in New York, as the first anti-Castro exile organization.

Lincoln also served as the emeritus president of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, underscoring his commitment to the Hispanic community and leadership on national policy issues. He is survived by his wife, Cristina Fernández, whom he was married to for 48 years, and his son Daniel. His other son, Lincoln Gabriel, passed away in 2013 at the age of 29. Additionally, he leaves behind three grandchildren, Lincoln, Daniel, and Edwin Rafael, and his brothers Rafael (a banker), José (a journalist), and Mario, also a politician.

A public mass in his memory will be announced soon, where family, friends, and the community can pay tribute to his legacy and dedication to public service.