Former Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera threw his support behind business owner Irina Vilarino’s bid to dethrone U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, D-Fla.,
Lopez-Cantera, who served as majority leader in the state House and as Miami Dade property appraiser before serving as Gov. Rick Scott’s understudy, announced on Wednesday that he was backing Vilarino for the Republican nomination.
“Irina Vilarino understands what a free and prosperous economy means for families,” said Lopez-Cantera. “She and her family represent the American Dream with their own successful small businesses, and their success has benefitted thousands of Floridians with jobs and benefits.
“Irina puts us in the best position to take back Congressional District 26. She’s got a great fundraising head start, and she’s a consummate retailer, not afraid to take her message anywhere. She will win this election, and I am proud to add my name to her campaign leadership team,” he added.
Vilariño faces former Metro-Dade Firefighters Union President Omar Blanco and maintenance engineer Jose Peixoto in the Republican primary.
After defeating U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo, R-Fla., last year, Mucarsel-Powell is a top target for Republicans in 2020.
Reach Kevin Derby at kevin.derby@floridadaily.com.
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