Ryan Nicol
A seventh South Florida mayor is endorsing Manny Diaz in his bid for Senate District 36.
Virginia Gardens Mayor Spencer Deno IV became the latest to throw support behind the Diaz campaign.
Diaz is looking to make a move to the Senate after representing House District 103 since 2012.
Deno says he’s the right man for the job: “Manny Diaz is a strong leader whose commitment to our community has served us very well.”
“In the Florida House, Manny has demonstrated his commitment to improving Florida’s education system as well as addressing practical local and constituent concerns. I am confident he will continue to serve with the same tenacity and dedication to our community in the Florida Senate.”
Deno was the youngest mayor ever elected in Virginia Gardens; he worked for the United States Postal Service for 20 years.
SD 36 covers portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties. So far, Diaz has earned the support of seven mayors from Miami-Dade County including the mayors of Miami, Hialeah and Doral. Diaz was also recently endorsed by term-limited state Sen. Rene Garcia, who Diaz is running to replace.
The seat is all but a sure thing for Diaz unless another big name decides to challenge the Republican. Diaz has brought in more than $500,000 to his campaign. The only other entrant into the race, Democrat Muhammad Amin, has not declared any fundraising information with the Division of Elections.
Diaz doesn’t appear to be taking anything for granted, however. He’s continuing to court support from South Florida officials, resulting in this latest endorsement from Mayor Deno.
“I am honored to receive Mayor Deno’s endorsement,” said Diaz. “He has served Virginia Gardens very well for many years, and I am grateful to have him join our team. I look forward to continuing our partnership in improving the communities we are privileged to call home.”
