The former Cuban-American congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart passed away this Monday in Miami, his brother Mario announced on social media.
"With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Lincoln Díaz-Balart," he posted on his X account.
"His love for the United States and his tireless 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 United States 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 the Cuban politician Rafael Díaz-Balart and Hilda Caballero Brunet, and the nephew of Mirta Díaz-Balart, who was Fidel Castro's first wife. Thus, her son, Fidel Castro Díaz-Balart, was his cousin.
Lincoln emigrated to the United States as a child after the Cuban Revolution of 1959. He studied at the American School in Madrid and New College of Florida, and earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University. Before beginning his political career, he practiced law in Miami, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals
Initially a member of the Democratic Party, in 1985 he switched his affiliation to the Republican Party.
He was elected as a member of the Florida House of Representatives in 1986 and later to the Florida Senate in 1989. In 1992, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives representing Florida's 21st congressional district, a position he held until 2011 when he retired from Congress. His younger brother, Mario Díaz-Balart, succeeded him.
During his time in the legislative body, Díaz-Balart stood out for his advocacy of immigrant rights and his strong opposition to the Cuban regime. He was one of the sponsors of the National Security Act and the DREAM Act, aiming to ease access to higher education for immigrant students
"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 accomplishments will endure for generations, and continues..." Mario Díaz-Balart recalled in his message.
In addition to his legislative work, Lincoln Díaz-Balart was actively involved in the La Rosa Blanca Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting the democratization of Cuba and honoring the memory of the martyrs who fought against Fidel Castro's regime. This institute was founded in January 1959 by his father, Rafael Díaz-Balart, in New York, and it was the first anti-Castro organization in exile.
Lincoln also served as emeritus president of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, reflecting his commitment to the Hispanic community and his leadership on national policy issues
He is survived by his wife, Cristina Fernández, with whom he was married for 48 years, and his son Daniel. His other son, Lincoln Gabriel, passed away in 2013 at the age of 29. Additionally, he is survived by his three grandchildren, Lincoln, Daniel, and Edwin Rafael, as well as his brothers Rafael (a banker), José (a journalist), and Mario, who is also a politician.
A public mass in his memory will be announced soon, where family, friends, and the community will be able to pay tribute to his legacy and dedication to public service.
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