Former Miami Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart died Monday, according to a statement released by his family. He was 70.
Lincoln Diaz-Balart had been diagnosed with cancer. His brother, U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, announced his passing on X.
"It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Lincoln Diaz-Balart. Defender of the silenced and pressed, author of the democracy requirement for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against the Cuban dictatorship, and the author of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)," the statement said. "Lincoln's legacy of achievements will endure for generations, and continues through the work of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute (CHLI) which he co-founded in 2003."
"Lincoln's profound love for the United States, and his relentless commitment to the cause of a free Cuba, guided him throughout his life and his 24 years in elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives," it added.
Diaz-Balart, a Republican since 1985, served as the U.S. Representative for Florida's 21st Congressional District from 1993-2011. He also served in the Florida House for District 110 from 1986 to 1989 and in the Florida Senate for District 34 from 1989 to 1992.
A Cuban refugee, Diaz-Balart's start in politics came with the Florida Young Democrats and running an unsuccessful campaign for the Florida legislature with the party in 1982. His biography notes that Diaz-Balart began to identify with the Republican party under the Reagan administration.
Born in Havana in 1954, Diaz-Balart was a strong advocate for a free Cuba and the rights of Cuban exiles. His biggest career moment arguably came as the legislative author responsible for enshrining the United States' Cuban embargo policy into law instead of executive action.
NACRA, which Diaz-Balart also championed, gives immigration benefits and deportation protections to certain Nicaraguans, Cubans, Salvadorans, and Guatemalans.
His father, Rafael Díaz-Balart, served as majority leader of the Cuban House of Representatives and, in 1955, opposed amnesty to Fidel Castro, his former brother-in-law, over his involvement in the 1953 Moncada Barracks attack.
Diaz-Balart's aunt, Mirta Díaz-Balart, was married to Fidel Castro from 1948 to 1955. Fidel Castro went on to seize power in Cuba in 1959 and rule the country for decades.
According to the statement, Diaz-Balart is survived by his wife, Cristina, of 48 years, and son Daniel. He also had two other brothers, Rafael Diaz-Balart, a banker, and Jose Diaz-Balart, who works as an anchor on MSNBC.
A public memorial mass will be announced at a later date.
