Former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a Florida Republican, has passed away at the age of 70. His brother, current Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, also a Florida Republican, shared the news of his passing. Mario Diaz-Balart remembered his brother as a staunch advocate for the voiceless and oppressed, highlighting his instrumental role in crafting legislation crucial to US-Cuba relations and Central American immigration policy. Specifically, he authored the legislation requiring democratic reforms in Cuba as a prerequisite for lifting US sanctions and was the architect of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA). Mario Diaz-Balart emphasized that his brother’s legacy would continue to inspire future generations, carrying forward the mission of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI), which Lincoln co-founded in 2003.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart dedicated his career to serving Floridians as a member of the Republican Party. His journey into politics began with the Florida Young Democrats, even running for a seat in the Florida legislature as a Democrat in 1982, though unsuccessfully. He officially switched to the Republican Party in 1985 and successfully won a seat in the Florida legislature in 1986. During his time in the state legislature, he championed legislation addressing various critical issues. He focused on strengthening penalties for crimes against law enforcement, combating drug-related money laundering, facilitating affordable housing construction through low-interest loans, establishing statewide substance abuse programs, and implementing transparency regulations for Florida businesses engaging with Cuba.
The image above shows former Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., during his time in office. (Associated Press)
Diaz-Balart’s congressional career began in January 1993, serving the people of Florida until his retirement in 2010. His brother, Mario, then succeeded him, winning the election for the 21st Congressional District. Lincoln Diaz-Balart is survived by his wife, Cristina, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage; his son, Daniel; two grandsons; and three brothers. He was preceded in death by his first son, Lincoln Gabriel.
This image captures former Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL), right, translating for Republican presidential candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney. Also present is House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL). The event took place at a U.S.-Cuba Democracy political action committee gathering on January 25, 2012, in Miami. (Chip Somodevilla)
Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., is pictured speaking at a news conference held on September 25, 2007. The event unveiled the new House Rules Committee Republican website and released the "Out of Order" report, which detailed concerns about the state of debate and decorum within the House. (Douglas Graham/Roll Call)
In his statement, Mario Diaz-Balart emphasized his brother's deep patriotism and unwavering dedication to a free Cuba, noting that these principles shaped his life and extensive public service career, spanning 24 years, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. He concluded with a heartfelt expression of the family’s profound loss.
