Mario Díaz-Balart, a longtime U.S. Congressman representing Florida’s 26th District since 2003, publicly expressed support for recent actions taken by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and met with Venezuelan activists, according to statements posted on his official social media accounts.
On March 19, 2026, Díaz-Balart wrote in English: “I commend Costa Rican President @RodrigoChavesR’s principled decision and leadership to expel the Cuban regime’s diplomats. Costa Rica continues to be a vital U.S. partner in advancing shared regional security priorities, including countering narcoterrorism, combatting”. Later that same day, he reiterated this sentiment in Spanish: “Aplaudo la decisión basada en principios y el firme liderazgo del Presidente de Costa Rica, @RodrigoChavesR, al expulsar a los diplomáticos del régimen castrista. Costa Rica continúa siendo un socio clave de Estados Unidos en el avance de prioridades compartidas de seguridad” (March 19, 2026).
Díaz-Balart also highlighted his meeting with Venezuelan figures Jesús Armas and Sairam Rivas on March 19: “Todo un honor estar reunido con valientes venezolanos @jesusarmasccs y @SairamRivas. Me alegra profundamente verlos en libertad. Sus voces deben ser escuchadas. Jesús fue detenido injustamente en El Helicoide, uno de los centros de tortura más notorios de América Latina, donde”.
Mario Díaz-Balart was born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961 and currently resides in Miami. He holds a BA from the University of South Florida and previously served in both the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate before joining Congress.
