Rep. Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah) announced his candidacy for Florida's open Senate District 39 seat following the resignation of Republican Bryan Avila.
"I’m running for the Florida Senate because this community has always been my home," Rizo wrote on social media. "I’m ready to continue fighting in the Senate for the conservative values and common-sense policies that have made the ‘Free State of Florida’ the very best in America."
Rep. Rizo has served House District 112, located in Miami-Dade County, since 2020. Rizo won re-election in HD 112 unopposed in June but will now forgo the next two years of his term to run in SD 39.
Moreover, Rep. Rizo won re-election by 46 points over Democrat Jackie Gil-Abarzua in 2024. He also won without appearing on the ballot in 2022 and defeated Democrat Annette Collazo by 20 points in 2020.
Rizo also served as chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party from 2022 to 2024.
SD 39 is located in Miami-Dade County and includes Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, and Miami Lakes. Avila resigned from the seat following his pick as lieutenant governor by Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL) last week.
Rizo joins Rep. David Borrero (R-Hialeah) in the SD 39 race. Borrero, who represents District 111 in Miami-Dade County, announced his run earlier this week.
Like Rizo, Borrero coasted in his most recent election in 2024, winning by 35 points over Democrat Laura Kelly. Borrero has served in the Florida House of Representatives since 2020.
Both candidates are likely favorites to win the special election, which has yet to be called.
SD 39 is roughly 90% Hispanic and heavily Republican. A Democrat has not filed for the seat.
Avila won re-election to SD 39 over Democrat Charles Lewis I by nearly 40 points in 2024. He also won unopposed in his initial bid after the election was cancelled in 2022.
While Rizo and Borrero have a likely edge, a local favorite could also fight his way into the race.
