Former President Donald Trump has officially endorsed Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart for re-election, describing him as a "proven leader" in a post on Truth Social on Friday night. Trump urged voters in Florida's 26th District to show their support in the upcoming general election on November 3rd.
In his Truth Social post, Trump highlighted Díaz-Balart's career before joining the federal Congress: "Mario served his community as a highly respected state legislator and civic leader before becoming a distinguished Congressman." Trump also listed the key issues Díaz-Balart champions in Washington, including economic growth, tax and regulation cuts, domestic manufacturing, energy independence, border security, combating immigrant crime, supporting military and veterans, and defending the Second Amendment.
Trump concluded his message with his usual endorsement style: "Mario Díaz-Balart has my complete and total endorsement for re-election. Vote for Mario; he will never let you down!"
The post was shared during the early voting period for the November 3rd elections, but the attached link referenced the primary date, which had already passed on August 18th when Díaz-Balart advanced unopposed within the Republican Party. Trump had previously issued a similar endorsement on the eve of that primary.
In the general election, Díaz-Balart faces Democratic contender Nicole Locklin and independent candidate Deborah Ann Meidinger Hosey. The 26th District, which covers Hialeah, Miami Lakes, Doral, and parts of southwestern Broward County, is rated as "solidly Republican" by the Cook Political Report. In 2024, the congressman was re-elected with nearly 71% of the vote.
Mario Díaz-Balart has represented South Florida in the federal Congress for over two decades, since January 2003. Born in Fort Lauderdale in 1961, the son of Cuban immigrants, he built his political career in the state legislature before moving to Washington. His family has a unique connection to Cuban history: his father, Rafael Díaz-Balart, was a parliamentary leader during Batista's government, and his aunt, Mirta, was Fidel Castro's first wife.
Politically, Díaz-Balart has been a staunch advocate of the maximum pressure policy against the Cuban regime. In May 2026, he publicly thanked Trump and Senator Marco Rubio for imposing new sanctions on Cuba, and in October, he expressed confidence that the dictatorship would not survive the remainder of the Trump administration.
However, the congressman has also distanced himself from the White House on immigration issues. He described the detention of immigrants undergoing legal processes as "overreaction" and "unnecessary and negative," and he openly acknowledged his disagreements with Trump, admitting that his efforts with other legislators failed to change the White House's stance on Cubans with the I-220A form.
Díaz-Balart's campaign reported earnings of $2,763,195 from January 2025 to mid-October 2026, according to Federal Election Commission data. With Trump's endorsement and a historically favorable district, the Cuban-American congressman is seen as the clear favorite to retain his seat this coming Tuesday.
Key Details About Mario Díaz-Balart's Re-election Campaign
Who has endorsed Mario Díaz-Balart for re-election?
Former President Donald Trump has endorsed Mario Díaz-Balart for re-election, calling him a "proven leader" and encouraging voters in Florida's 26th District to support him.
What are the key issues Mario Díaz-Balart supports?
Díaz-Balart supports economic growth, tax and regulation reductions, domestic manufacturing, energy independence, border security, fighting immigrant crime, supporting military and veterans, and defending the Second Amendment.
Who is Mario Díaz-Balart competing against in the general election?
In the general election, Mario Díaz-Balart is competing against Democratic candidate Nicole Locklin and independent candidate Deborah Ann Meidinger Hosey.
What is the political landscape of Florida's 26th District?
Florida's 26th District, which includes areas like Hialeah, Miami Lakes, and Doral, is considered "solidly Republican" according to the Cook Political Report.