Lincoln Díaz-Balart Dies at 70: A Fighter for Cuban Freedom to the Very End

Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a fierce advocate for Cuban democracy and a longtime Florida congressman, has passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer. His death is a profound loss for the Cuban-American community and for all who knew him as a tireless fighter for justice and human rights.

A Life Shaped by Exile

Díaz-Balart’s story began in Havana, Cuba, where he was born on August 13, 1954, into a politically connected family. His father, Rafael Díaz-Balart, was a Cuban government official, and his aunt was once married to Fidel Castro. But when Castro took power in 1959, the Díaz-Balart family fled to the U.S., leaving behind everything they knew.

Like many Cuban exiles, Lincoln had to start over. He studied law at Case Western Reserve University and soon found his passion in public service. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1986, then to the state Senate, and finally to Congress, where he represented South Florida from 1993 to 2011.

A Relentless Voice for Cuban Freedom

Díaz-Balart’s most defining political mission was his opposition to the Castro regime. He was instrumental in securing the permanent imposition of the U.S. embargo on Cuba, which would remain in effect until democracy was restored. The Cuban exile community saw him as a hero who never lost up on the goal of a liberated Cuba, while others saw him as a hardliner.

He advocated for human rights, denounced Cuban political repression, and urged American leaders to stand firmly against dictatorship. He continued to advocate for international pressure on the Cuban regime and help dissidents on the island even after he left Congress.

A Champion for Immigrants

Not only did Díaz-Balart write about Cuba, but he was also a strong supporter of immigration. Among his greatest accomplishments was the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), which facilitated the legalization of thousands of Central American refugees in the United States. He battled to guarantee that others had the same possibilities as he had since he knew what it was like to be displaced.

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond politics, Díaz-Balart was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Cristina, his son Daniel, and his grandchildren. His brother, U.S. Representative Mario Díaz-Balart, called him “a fearless defender of the oppressed” and said his legacy will live on in the fight for freedom.

Florida leaders, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Marco Rubio, paid tribute, remembering him as a warrior for democracy who never backed down from a fight.

Honoring His Memory

A public memorial service will be announced soon, allowing the community to say goodbye to a man who dedicated his life to service. While Lincoln Díaz-Balart is no longer here, his work, his passion, and his unwavering belief in justice will continue to inspire generations to come.