MIAMI — Republican businessman and self-described moderate Tony Diaz is officially launching his campaign for Florida House District 113, declaring that “Florida is not for sale” as he vows to bring independence, transparency, and common sense back to Tallahassee.
The 31-year-old Miami native stepped into the race after former Rep. Vicki Lopez was appointed to the Miami-Dade Commission by a 7–5 vote, leaving her House seat vacant pending a special election date that has not yet been set.
Diaz says that vacancy represents a crucial opportunity: “Elections are sacred,” he insists, arguing that all vacancies — state or local — should require mandatory special elections. He plans to make that his first legislative proposal if elected.
Deep Miami Roots
Diaz, who grew up between Little Havana, Shenandoah, Brickell, and Key Biscayne, calls himself “a product of the district.” The son of Cuban parents and fluent in both English and Spanish, Diaz studied Public Administration at FIU before building a career in political marketing and, more recently, launching an exotic fruit nursery that he says allows him “the time to serve the public, not the other way around.”
He credits his parents and grandmother for instilling in him the belief that time — not money — is life’s most valuable resource.
Diaz is married to an accountant he met working at a printing shop and is the father of a two-year-old daughter, Alexandra.
A Longstanding Interest in Public Service
Though new to many voters, Diaz has been quietly involved in local politics for a decade, working with past candidates and engaging district leaders on issues such as infrastructure, housing, and economic development.
He briefly explored a Miami City Commission run in 2015 but said the effort was more about being heard than winning office.
Most recently, he sought appointment to the Miami-Dade District 5 Commission seat left vacant by Eileen Higgins — but only under the condition that he would not seek reelection, so voters could choose an open field. He criticized the county for skipping a special election and naming Lopez instead.
A Moderate Republican Pitching a Pragmatic District
Diaz describes District 113 as “pragmatic, not extreme,” and says that’s why he’s running as a Republican who actively engages Democrat clubs like Coral Way Democrats and Key Biscayne Democrats.
“We don’t always have to vote for the letter next to the name,” he says. “I think I’m the best option for all voters.”
Four Pillars of His Campaign
1. Mandatory Special Elections
Diaz wants a constitutional amendment requiring special elections anytime an elected official leaves office — eliminating appointment loopholes and protecting “sacred elections.”
2. Flooding and Infrastructure
From Brickell to Key Biscayne, Diaz says parts of the district are now underwater “too often.” He seeks coordinated statewide action on sea-level rise and better planning for infrastructure upgrades.
3. Affordable Housing & Wall Street Home Buyers
Diaz warns that corporate real-estate conglomerates — especially companies like BlackRock — are inflating home prices beyond reach:
“How do we compete if big investment funds pay 20–30% over asking and don’t care because they’ll rent it for 30 years?”
He supports more incentives for first-time homebuyers and higher impact fees on developers, with the funds directed toward infrastructure, expanded school capacity, and new parks.
4. Independence From Special Interests
Diaz says he has saved his own money for a year to self-fund much of his campaign. His slogan — “Florida is not for sale” — is a direct rebuke to political machines and mega-donors.
“You can talk to special interests, but you shouldn’t be sleeping with them,” he says. “My phone will always answer a neighbor before a lobbyist.”
Diaz also pledges a zero-tolerance stance on public corruption:
“People work too hard for politicians to play with public money. Nothing dirty will happen around me.”
Policy Views: Taxes, Immigration, and the Everglades
On taxes, Diaz supports relief for seniors who paid off their homes decades ago but warns the policy must be narrowly crafted so large corporations don’t exploit it.
On immigration, he praises President Donald Trump’s approach but warns that state-level enforcement has created fear among hard-working immigrant families who keep Miami’s economy moving.
“ICE going to Home Depot to grab workers trying to earn $80 for the day — that’s inhumane,” he says.
He is also strongly opposed to placing an immigration detention center inside the Everglades, calling the ecosystem “sacred” and environmentally incompatible with large detention facilities.
A Grassroots, Door-to-Door Campaign
Diaz says he will run a street-level campaign focused on knocking on doors, attending community events, and staying accessible at his longtime parish, St. Peter and Paul.
His campaign is run by Miguel Infante, with help from Diaz’s father and a local attorney.
The Road Ahead
Diaz will first face a GOP primary challenge from Frank Lago, who some insiders say is favored by party leadership. Democrats are lining up behind Justin Mendoza Routt.
The special election date for District 113 remains pending.
For Diaz, the message is simple and repeated everywhere he goes:
“Elections are sacred. Independence matters. And Florida is not for sale.”
