Democrat Norma Perez Schwartz and Republican Omar Blanco faceoff for open HD 115 seat

MIAMI - Democratic candidate Norma Perez Schwartz and Republican candidate Omar Blanco are set to square off for Florida's open House District 115 seat in November's general election.

The pair are competing after the seat was vacated by one term Rep. Alina Garcia, R-Miami, who is running for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections. In 2022, Garcia defeated Democratic candidate Christie Davis in HD 115 by 17 points.

In the HD 115 Republican primary, Blanco defeated Alian Collazo and Moises Benhabib with 59% of the vote. On the other hand, Schwartz moved right to the general election after the Democratic primary was canceled.

Blanco is a Captain and 20-year veteran of the Miami-Dade County Fire Department. He also served as President of Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403.

Among his priorities, Blanco has promised to address property insurance rates, ensure quality education for students, keep taxes low, enhance public safety, and protect seniors if elected next Tuesday.

"Serving on the front lines has instilled in me the values of service, sacrifice, and community," Blanco said. "With this passion and commitment, I'm ready to serve as your voice in Tallahassee, fighting tirelessly for the issues that matter most to you and your family."

Blanco also has earned a number of endorsements, including from the Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, South Florida Police Benevolent Association, Hispanic Police Officers Association, Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 403, Miami Association of Firefighters, and Christian Family Association of Florida.

In recognition of his career, Blanco received the 2020 Florida Professional Firefighter of the Year Award.

An education advocate, Schwartz holds over two decades of experience in the Early Learning field. A native of Miami-Dade County, she received a Bachelor’s in Liberal Studies from Florida International University.

"Norma’s active engagement in various civic boards reflects her dedication to advocating for policies that promote opportunities for all learners, their families, and their teachers, particularly in the fields of early childhood education and parental involvement," her website reads.

Among her priorities, Schwartz has promised to address the property insurance crisis and tackle housing affordability. She also has vowed to repeal Florida's abortion ban and fight against rising sea levels due to climate change.

In addition, Schwartz has pledged to secure funding for Biscayne Bay and address the county's traffic congestion.

She also has earned a number of endorsements, including from the Florida Democratic Party and the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Furthermore, Schwartz is supported by the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida, Planned Parenthood of Florida, and Ruth's List Florida.

Part of Miami-Dade County, HD 115 includes Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, and Pinecrest. Along with Garcia, the district sided with Republicans in 2020, 2018, and 2016.

The HD 115 general election is scheduled for Nov. 5.