Raul Martinez (FL-21)

As the first Cuban-born mayor in the country, Raul Martinez’s service to the city of Hialeah underscores his proven record of change, economic progress, and commitment to education.

Under Raul's leadership, the city of Hialeah experienced prosperity and sustainable growth, earning the city the slogan: “The City of Progress.” Raul initiated a bold plan to revitalize the economy of what was once a low income industrial city and resulted in the creation of over 18,000 new jobs, a 13% drop in unemployment, and a series of balanced budgets. Raul forged relationships with business leaders from around the world to design commerce expansion programs that would ensure that Hialeah would have good jobs and a thriving middle class. Over 3,400 new managerial jobs were created during his administration and Hialeah is now the fifth largest city in Florida with a booming business sector and high quality neighborhoods. In recognition of his leadership, the Florida League of Cities honored Raul with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.

Raul also worked closely with school principals and teachers to ensure that Hialeah’s students were getting their fair share of quality educational services. Hialeah’s high school graduation rate increased by 125% and the number of college graduates went up by 76% as a result of programs that promoted higher academic performance, including a series of innovative e-libraries throughout the city.

Raul and his wife, Angela, have two children and three grandchildren. Together, Raul and Angela created sports leagues, aquatic recreational parks, performing arts centers and funded trips to Walt Disney World for underprivileged kids.

Raul Martinez faces Lincoln Diaz-Balart, a 15 year incumbent. The Miami Herald notes, “The race pits two powerful and prominent Cuban-American leaders in a district that has seen little or no opposition to Díaz-Balart since he won the congressional seat in 1992.” The DCCC has targeted this race for its Red to Blue program. A political analyst for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report called this “easily one of the nastiest races in the country.” The Miami Herald has also noted the race has created an “attack ad slugfest.”

With a tough race ahead of him, we must do everything we can to turn this district blue and elect Raul Martinez. You can help him campaign by contributing now. If you live near Raul and would like to help you can also sign up to volunteer and we will help connect with his campaign. The stakes are too high, the time is short – get involved today.