Ryan Nicol
Former Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera says he’s backing Irina Vilariño in the Republican primary for Florida’s 26th Congressional District.
“Irina Vilarino understands what a free and prosperous economy means for families,” Lopez-Cantera said in a Wednesday statement announcing the endorsement.
“She and her family represent the American dream with their own successful small businesses, and their success has benefited thousands of Floridians with jobs and benefits.”
Vilariño, a native of Cuba, owns a string of “Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine” restaurants in South Florida. She arrived in the U.S. as part of the Mariel boatlift in 1980.
Vilariño is competing against Omar Blanco for the chance to flip the CD 26 seat, currently held by Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Blanco is the former head of a firefighters union. But this past weekend, he was ousted from his position leading Miami-Dade Firefighters Local 1403. That led to ridicule from the Florida Democratic Party (FDP).
“It says a lot about a candidate for Congress who doesn’t receive the support of those that know him best,” said Juan Peñalosa, the FDP’s executive director.
“The firefighters of Local 1403 know Omar Blanco and sent a strong signal both to their union and the voters of District 26. Omar Blanco isn’t fit for office.”
Just days later, Lopez-Cantera is arguing that Vilariño has a better shot than Blanco of turning the seat red in 2020.
“Irina puts us in the best position to take back Congressional District 26,” Lopez-Cantera said.
“She’s got a great fundraising head start, and she’s a consummate retailer, not afraid to take her message anywhere. She will win this election, and I am proud to add my name to her campaign leadership team.”
While Vilariño has outraised Blanco overall, she still trails the pace of the incumbent. And her lead over Blanco was accomplished with a head start of several months. It remains to be seen who will be the better fundraiser going forward.
Vilariño has also courted controversy after several controversial tweets were unearthed by a Talking Points Memo (TPM) reporter. Those tweets include promotion of the Barack Obama birther conspiracy.
Still, she’s secured the support of the National Republican Congressional Committee and now Lopez-Cantera.
