Sweetwater Mayor José “Pepe” Díaz announced his endorsement of Rep. Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah) for Florida's open Senate District 39 seat by praising his record of public service, commitment to community, and ability to deliver results through a press release this week.
"It is both my honor and privilege to support State Representative Alex Rizo as he runs for the Florida State Senate in District 39," Diaz said in a statement. "Alex has done an outstanding job as a state representative. His commitment to delivering on his promises and serving his community is what stands out most. A man of this caliber is rare to find nowadays."
Díaz has been mayor of Sweetwater since May 2023. He also served as mayor from 1999 to 2003.
"As mayor of the City of Sweetwater, and as his friend, I encourage everyone in District 39 to make their voices heard and cast their vote for Alex Rizo in November," Diaz continued. "I look forward to seeing him bring that dedication to the Florida Senate."
Sweetwater is part of Senate District 39 in Miami-Dade County. Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Lakes, Doral, Medley, and Virginia Gardens are also part of the district.
Rep. Rizo thanked Mayor Díaz for his endorsement.
"Mayor Pepe Diaz knows what it takes to deliver for the people of Sweetwater, and I am honored to have his support," Rizo said. "Pepe has spent his career fighting for our community, and I am grateful for his friendship and his confidence in me. In the Florida Senate, I will continue working to deliver results for Sweetwater and every community across District 39."
Rep. Rizo announced his candidacy for SD 39 earlier this month. The seat became available after Bryan Avila resigned following his pick as lieutenant governor by Congressman and Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds (R-FL).
Mayor Diaz's support follows an endorsement from Gov. Ron DeSantis for Rizo last week. Rizo has served House District 112 since 2020 but will forgo the final two years of his latest term to run in SD 39.
