Washington, D.C. – Latino Victory Fund today endorsed José Javier Rodríguez in his bid to represent Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Rodríguez was elected to the Florida Senate in 2016 and previously served two terms in the Florida House of Representatives. The son of a Cuban refugee, Rodríguez would be the only Hispanic Democrat to represent South Florida in Congress.

“From his roots as a legal aid attorney to his legislative work on behalf of Floridians, José Javier has always demonstrated a deep commitment to his community and the independent character needed to stand up to powerful special interests,” said Cristóbal J. Alex, president of Latino Victory. “Our endorsement comes as Florida Republicans are scrambling to pass resign-to-run legislation to put the brakes on José Javier’s momentum. We won’t stand for this because the people of South Florida deserve a strong leader like José Javier Rodríguez.”

During his tenure as a Florida legislator, José Javier Rodríguez has become well known for the quality of his legislative work and progressive policy stances. A strong proponent of affordable, quality health care and environmental protection, Rodríguez has been lauded as a “powerhouse in the legislature.” The Miami Herald has noted that “he has shown that he is an engaged and articulate lawmaker, willing to work hard for the right causes and to improve Florida.” In 2016, Rodríguez was endorsed by President Barack Obama in his bid for Florida Senate.

If elected, Rodríguez would replace retiring Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress. Rodríguez is the only Latino in the Democratic primary to represent a district that is sixty percent Hispanic.