Mario Díaz-Balart, a long-serving member of the U.S. Congress representing Florida’s 26th District, recently shared several updates via social media. Born in Fort Lauderdale and currently residing in Miami, Díaz-Balart has been an influential figure in both state and national politics since his tenure began in the Florida House of Representatives in 1988.
On May 9, 2025, Díaz-Balart expressed sorrow over the death of Zoila Esther Chávez, mother of political prisoner and independent journalist José Gabriel Barrenechea. In his post, he lamented the ongoing hardships faced by the Cuban people: “Indignante que otra madre cubana tenga que irse de este mundo sin poder ver a su hijo libre. Que en paz descanse Zoila Esther Chávez, madre del preso político y periodista independiente José Gabriel Barrenechea.”
Later that day, Díaz-Balart met with Jeanette Núñez, President of Florida International University (FIU) and former Lieutenant Governor. The meeting took place in Washington D.C., where they discussed FIU’s latest updates and priorities. He expressed enthusiasm for their continued collaboration: “It was great to meet with my dear friend and @FIUPresident, former Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez… I look forward to continuing our great work together for our community.”
Díaz-Balart also held discussions with Collier County Commissioners Burt L. Saunders, Chris Hall, Rick LoCastro, and Dan Kowal on key issues affecting Southwest Florida. Among topics discussed were traffic congestion near Everglades Boulevard: “I had a fantastic meeting with Collier County Commissioners… We discussed many key issues and priorities in Southwest FL.”
Díaz-Balart graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
