One week, State Rep. Vance Aloupis (R-115) — who broke with his Republican colleagues to vote against the hateful “Don’t Say Gay” bill — announces he’s decided not to run for re-election so he could spend more time with his family.
Days later, first time state candidate and longtime Republican political operative Alina García jumped into that race from the state Senate District 38 race, where she had raised almost $200,000 through the end of February, according to her most recent campaign report.
But it’s not an open race.
Aloupis has already endorsed his former legislative aide and campaign manager Alexis Calatayud, who is currently director of policy and programs at the Florida Department of Education.
“This community is my home,” García, a mother of three and grandmother of 11, said in a statement. “It’s where I’ve raised my children, where I go to church, and where I have served my neighbors throughout my public service career.
“That’s where all my grandchildren go to school,” she told Ladra.
Switching to the House makes more sense for García, who spent more time there than the Senate or the county commission.
“The House is very dear to my heart,” García told Ladra. “I worked with a lot of state representatives. It’s a better fit for me.”
Read related: Always a bridesmaid, GOP staple Alina Garcia opens PAC for 2022 Senate bid
For the past 30 years, García has worked in the background, behind the scenes, for a number of known politicians: Marco Rubio, Frank Artiles, Esteban Bovo, Jimmy Patronis, Joe Carollo. Now, she wants to be in the forefront.
She also worked very closely with former Congressman David “Nine Lives” Rivera, both at the state and congressional levels. But Rivera — who has been investigated several times and recently sued for working with the Venezuelan government — is curiously not listed in the bio on her campaign website, where she also lists some of her platform. Among her issues is a promise to “ensure parents have more say over their child’s education.”
In other words, García would have been a yes on “Don’t Say Gay.”
Other issues include doubling the Homestead exemption, property insurance reform and support for first responders. She wants to introduce legislation to reduce the state gas tax.
“With over thirty years of public service experience, I am ready to provide strong, principled leadership during these challenging times and spearhead policies that offer tax relief to residents while fostering economic development and job creation,” Garc´ía said.
House District 115, includes the cities of Pinecrest, Palmetto Bay, and Cutler Bay as well as unicorporated areas such as Westchester, Kendall, Continental Park and The Falls.
García said that Rubio’s endorsement in her short senate bid was transferable to the House race and that more endorsements are coming.
Probably not Rivera’s, though.
Alina Garcia switches over to House seat where Vance Aloupis walks away added by Ladra on
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