Willy Allen, a prominent immigration lawyer, made a bold statement during his weekly program on CiberCuba, held every Monday at 11:00 AM (Miami time). He announced that he would not be casting his vote for the current Republican congresswoman of his district, María Elvira Salazar, in the upcoming elections. While Allen has previously voiced criticism of Salazar's political actions, he is now backing another individual poised to challenge her in the primaries. "I'm not voting for María Elvira (Salazar); I'm supporting someone who will contest her in the primaries," Allen declared, keeping further details about the candidate under wraps as the campaign is still being discreetly organized.
Responding to whether he would vote for Salazar in the next election, Allen stated, "I've already offered my assistance to a challenger within the Republican Party. It's not public yet, but once declared, I'm backing someone who will unseat her." In Allen's view, the only Cuban-American congressman capable of navigating the repercussions of Trump's immigration policies in Florida is Mario Díaz-Balart, whom he regards as "solid." Allen is confident that Díaz-Balart will not face significant competition or risk losing his seat, and he expressed unwavering support for him if he were his district's representative.
However, Allen hinted at uncertain political futures for both Carlos Giménez and María Elvira Salazar, refraining from delving into specifics to avoid controversy. "Are you pulling my chain?" he quipped in response to a question from CiberCuba.
Although Allen has historically voted for more Republican presidents than Democrats, he acknowledges the "incredible" support Trump’s administration enjoys in Florida. This sentiment makes him hesitant to predict a Democratic victory in the state. "Who knows what will happen in four years? I don't even know if I'll be alive in four years," he remarked. Nonetheless, Allen anticipates witnessing "different neighborhood politicians" by 2026.
Earlier this year, Allen clashed with Salazar, describing her proposed solution for regularizing I-220A holders as an "insult." He publicly urged her to "stop talking nonsense." "I’ve publicly apologized for voting for her twice. María Elvira, who used to be my friend, is making disrespectful remarks that insult any thinking person," he said, visibly frustrated.
Allen emphasized that there is no need for a new bill since the Cuban Adjustment Act already exists. "This congresswoman (María Elvira Salazar) is mocking us by claiming she will propose the law. She can't propose anything. It's disrespectful. She’s talking nonsense," he insisted.
If Salazar genuinely wanted to effect change, Allen argued, she would pressure her friend, Kristi Noem, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, to clarify that the Cuban Adjustment Act applies to Cuban I-220A holders. Now, Allen is taking his opposition further by not only withdrawing support from Salazar but also endorsing another Republican candidate whom he expects to remove her from the political scene.
Willy Allen's Political Stance and Future Elections
Why is Willy Allen not supporting María Elvira Salazar?
Willy Allen is not supporting María Elvira Salazar because he disagrees with her political actions and feels her proposed solutions for immigration issues are disrespectful and ineffective.
Who does Willy Allen believe can handle Trump's immigration policies in Florida?
Willy Allen believes that Mario Díaz-Balart is the only Cuban-American congressman capable of handling the consequences of Trump's immigration policies in Florida due to his solid political stance.
What is Willy Allen's view on the future political landscape of Florida?
Willy Allen anticipates that by 2026, the political landscape in Florida will be different, with new neighborhood politicians taking the stage.