Uruguayan-American influencer and activist, Carlos Eduardo Espina, who resides in Houston, Texas, and is an open Democrat, stirred controversy on Wednesday. He tweeted on X, suggesting that "the vast majority of Latinos outside Florida have a negative opinion of Miami Cubans." This tweet quickly amassed over 439,000 views and nearly 14,000 likes.
This statement coincided with the U.S. midterm elections, where Democrats secured historic victories in Texas. Notably, Gina Hinojosa became the first Latina governor of the state, while Florida remained a Republican stronghold.
Espina, who celebrated the election results in Texas but expressed disappointment over Florida's outcome, directed his critique at Marco Rubio. He argued, "Those who claim Marco Rubio will win the Latino vote if he runs for president clearly don't grasp" the supposed animosity towards Miami Cubans.
In response to immediate backlash, Espina stood by his statement: "People upset by this can debate all they want. Just ask any Mexican or Central American in Texas, Nevada, etc., if they'd vote for a Cuban Republican from Miami, and you'll see I'm right."
Telemundo 51 captured his comment in a reel that garnered over 306,000 views and over 4,400 comments, framing it as an open-ended question to the public. In the video, Espina remarks, "What our people hate most is a traitor, someone who forgets how they got to this country."
Journalist Ernesto Morales responded with a pointed critique on Facebook, labeling Espina an "ignorant" figure empowered by social media and a party establishment that "rapid-fires fake news" for audience monetization.
"Asking Carlos Eduardo Espina where he got that data is pointless. It is solely based on his opinion, which he presents as a verifiable fact," Morales wrote. He went further, stating, "Democrats at the highest level in this country have their own Alex Jones. It's him."
Espina's assertion lacks support from surveys or cited data; as Morales points out, it's a personal opinion elevated to the status of fact.
The political backdrop provides clues about the origin of the comment. The Latino vote shifted 21 points away from Republicans compared to 2024, with 64% voting Democrat in these midterm elections. However, among Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade, the scenario is starkly different: the FIU Cuba Poll 2026 places Rubio at the forefront of preferences for the 2028 Republican nomination with 58% support, far ahead of any other contenders.
This isn't the first time Espina has sparked controversy with statements about Cubans. In September 2023, he claimed that "many Latinos don't want Cubans in the United States" for supporting politicians with anti-immigrant policies. In August 2026, he boasted that Cubans followed him "in droves" because "he's always been real with them."
Rubio himself dismissed the idea of leaving office to prepare for a presidential run, stating on Wednesday that staying until the end of his term "has always been" his plan.
Frequently Asked Questions about Carlos Espina's Controversial Remarks
Who is Carlos Eduardo Espina?
Carlos Eduardo Espina is a Uruguayan-American influencer and activist based in Houston, Texas. He is known for his outspoken Democratic views.
What controversy did Espina spark with his tweet?
Espina claimed that the majority of Latinos outside Florida have a negative opinion of Miami Cubans, which led to a significant backlash and debate.
How did Espina respond to the criticism?
Espina defended his position by encouraging people to ask Mexican or Central American individuals in states like Texas and Nevada whether they'd vote for a Republican Cuban from Miami.
What is the significance of the FIU Cuba Poll 2026?
The FIU Cuba Poll 2026 indicates that Marco Rubio is favored for the 2028 Republican nomination among Cuban-Americans in Miami-Dade, with 58% support.