Cuban-American former congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart died this Monday, March 3, at the age of 70, according to a statement released by his brother, Mario.
“With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Lincoln Díaz-Balart,” he posted on his X account.
“His love for the United States and his tireless commitment to the cause of a free Cuba guided Lincoln throughout his life and his 24 years of elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives,” the statement reads.
The text highlights his work “as a defender of the oppressed and silenced, author of the democratic requirement for lifting U.S. sanctions against the Cuban dictatorship, and author of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA).”
“Lincoln is survived by his wife of 48 years, Cristina, his son Daniel and daughter-in-law Estefanía, his beloved grandchildren Lincoln Daniel and Edwin Rafael, his brothers Rafael, José, and Mario, and their wives, Elba, Brenda, and Tía. Lincoln was preceded in death by his beloved first son, Lincoln Gabriel,” the statement says.
pic.twitter.com/JPI1gDMseX— Mario Díaz-Balart (@MarioDB) March 3, 2025
He was a steadfast voice in Congress, demanding reforms and calling for freedom of expression for Cubans on the island, respect for human rights in Cuba, the release of political prisoners, and free elections.
Lincoln Díaz-Balart was born in Havana on August 13, 1954. He came to the United States to study in public schools and later graduated as a lawyer.
Díaz-Balart, along with his immediate family, were all members of the Democratic Party. He served as president of the Young Democrats of Miami-Dade County and the Young Democrats of Florida. He was a member of the Democratic Party’s executive committee until 1985, when he, his wife, and his brother Mario switched their registration to the Republican Party.
He had epic moments in his political career. He was the author of the NACARA law in 1997, which granted residency to hundreds of thousands of Nicaraguans who were at risk of deportation.
His name is recognized as one of the most important contemporary political figures in South Florida.
In 1992, Lincoln Díaz-Balart was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Florida’s 21st Congressional District. He served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee during his first term. In 1994, Lincoln Díaz-Balart became the first Hispanic in history to be appointed to the powerful House Rules Committee, according to the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.
Image: T51
