Jesse Scheckner
After teasing a run last month, Miami native Richard Lamondin has officially jumped into the race for Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
He promises, if elected, to deliver real-world results in a gridlocked Washington.
“I’m not a politician — I’m a dad, a husband, and a business owner who’s sick of watching Washington fail our community,” Lamondin said in a statement.
“While career politicians trade talking points, families here are struggling with the rising cost of rent, groceries, and everything else.”
As a first-time candidate, the 37-year-old Democrat is touting his business bona fides. According to the campaign announcement, Lamondin is the co-founder and CEO of eco fi, an environmental services company that helped conserve 10 billion gallons of water and prevent over 300,000 metric tons of carbon emissions while assisting renters in saving on utility bills.
He said he and his brother built the company from scratch, even installing toilets. That hands-on experience, he said, fuels his push now to support working families and expand opportunities for vocational and “green collar” jobs — 21st-century blue-collar work that strengthens the middle class while protecting the planet.
“That means lowering the cost of healthcare and childcare, support for small businesses, jobs you can raise a family on, and real action to address the rising cost of living,” he said. “I’ve created jobs, balanced budgets, and delivered results — now I’m ready to bring that same work ethic to Congress and fight for the people who actually keep this country running.”
Lamondin is now one of two Democrats running for the right to challenge Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar, who is seeking her fourth term in CD 27, which covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.
The other is former Key Biscayne Mayor Mike Davey, 58, who is mounting another bid for CD 27 after placing second in last year’s Democratic Primary.
Salazar, 63, won re-election last year by nearly 21 points. But April 1 Special Elections eroded Trump’s November margins of victory by double digits in Florida’s 1st and 6th Congressional Districts, giving Democrats hope for a flip in less-red CD 27.
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has designated it a “District in Play.”
Lamondin’s campaign said he is “set to receive strong support from Democrats nationally.”
