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Representative in Congress, District 26

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Mario Diaz-Balart

Currently represents District 26

Nicole Locklin

3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

Mario Diaz-Balart

Nicole Locklin

Mario Diaz-Balart

Nicole Locklin

Deborah Ann Meidinger Hosey

Position on major issues

Photo of Mario Diaz-Balart

Mario Diaz-Balart

Diaz-Balart's extensive public service career began in municipal governance before he was elected to the Florida House of Representatives (1988–1992, 2000–2002) and the Florida Senate (1992–2000). First elected to Congress in 2002, he is currently the Dean of the Florida Congressional Delegation. He wields significant institutional influence as Vice Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations and Chair of the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Subcommittee.

Campaigning as a senior constitutional conservative and hawkish defense advocate, Diaz-Balart focuses on strong international alliances, strict fiscal restraint, and targeted immigration reforms.

Party:

Currently represents District 26

Meidinger Hosey is a 61-year-old former teacher and school administrator for Miami-Dade County Public Schools who later transitioned to working as the Assistant Director of Elderly and Veterans Services for Broward County. She has noted that she felt compelled to run for public office to build a safer and healthier environment for the next generation.

Party:

3 candidates. Listed as they appear on the ballot.

We share more ground than you might expect

Common Ground

Common Ground shows where candidates agree, no matter their party.

Thinking for yourself matters

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Position on major issues

Abortion and reproductive policy

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Agriculture and rural policy

Backed more than $72 million for citrus health programs — including the fight against citrus greening — plus funding for agricultural research, plant and animal health inspection, food safety, and rural development supporting Florida's farmers, growers, and ranchers.

Secured $324 million for the CDFI Fund and $140 million for Small Business Development Centers — financing and counseling for entrepreneurs in underinvested communities. Read full quote

Official record

Voted Yes on Emergency Conservation Program Improvement Act of 2025

Jun 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Artificial intelligence

Official record

Voted Yes on AI for Main Street Act

Jan 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Civil rights and freedoms

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Criminal justice and policing

Delivered over $11 million in FY26 funding for Miami-Dade and regional law enforcement — new patrol vehicles, upgraded technology, and mobile command centers — while championing House-passed bills like the LEOSA Reform Act and the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act. Read full quote

Secured at least $135 million for school violence prevention through the STOP School Violence Act — threat assessment, security improvements, and training — while advancing legislation that shields kids from online exploitation, cracks down on predators, and reinforces parental rights.

$135M for school violence prevention, tougher laws against online predators, and reinforced parental rights in education.

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Economy, jobs and wages

Secured $324 million for the CDFI Fund and $140 million for Small Business Development Centers — financing and counseling for entrepreneurs in underinvested communities. Read full quote

Backing the 21,000+ manufacturing jobs and $1.9B in annual wages that power FL-26 — with expanded tax relief and renewed Opportunity Zones.

Official statement

A tireless champion for his constituents, Díaz-Balart is committed to: Eliminating government waste and saving taxpayer dollars Supporting small businesses and promoting economic development Advocating for military and law enforcement Honoring veterans Promoting U.S. energy independence and dominance Securing the U.S. border and advancing national security priorities Upholding human rights and democracy, both domestically and globally Treating U.S. allies, such as Israel and Taiwan, as friends and adversaries, such as Communist China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, and North Korea, as adversaries.

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The answer to an affordability crisis is lowering unnecessary costs while building a larger, stronger, more productive economy.

We need to stop adding costs to the economy. There a many ways for us to turn this around, but it all starts with HITTING THE BRAKES.

We should also recognize that legal immigration as an economic strength. Read full quote

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Economic Affordability: In media interviews and candidate reviews with the Miami Herald published in September 2026, Meidinger Hosey cited the local cost-of-living crisis as a top concern facing South Florida families. She advocates for federal policies designed to lower household financial strain.

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Education

Official statement

Improving Education No child should be left in an education system that fails to provide the opportunity to learn and succeed. Read full quote

Secured at least $135 million for school violence prevention through the STOP School Violence Act — threat assessment, security improvements, and training — while advancing legislation that shields kids from online exploitation, cracks down on predators, and reinforces parental rights.

Increased charter school funding by $60 million, preserved Pell Grants and magnet schools, and backed the first federal school choice tax credit. Read full quote

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She doesn’t take corporate or foreign PAC money, and she believes our tax dollars should make life more affordable, not line the pockets of the billionaires and corporate elites. Read full quote

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Elections and voting

She doesn’t take corporate or foreign PAC money, and she believes our tax dollars should make life more affordable, not line the pockets of the billionaires and corporate elites. Read full quote

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Energy

Official statement

A tireless champion for his constituents, Díaz-Balart is committed to: Eliminating government waste and saving taxpayer dollars Supporting small businesses and promoting economic development Advocating for military and law enforcement Honoring veterans Promoting U.S. energy independence and dominance Securing the U.S. border and advancing national security priorities Upholding human rights and democracy, both domestically and globally Treating U.S. allies, such as Israel and Taiwan, as friends and adversaries, such as Communist China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, and North Korea, as adversaries.

Official record

Voted Yes on Ratepayer Protection Act

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Protecting Domestic Mining Act of 2025

Sep 2, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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1. End wars that disrupt energy markets. 2. Reduce unnecessary tariffs. 3. Bring deficits and debt under control without cutting healthcare and basic services. 4. Build more housing. 5. Invest in sustainable energy. 6. Spend our tax dollars right here in the USA.

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Environment and climate

Founder and Co-Chair of the bipartisan Everglades Caucus — more than $6 billion delivered since his election for the EAA and C-43 Reservoirs and other CERP projects, plus streamlined Section 404 permitting. Protecting South Florida's drinking water, flood resilience, and Florida Bay.

Continuing the work of the Everglades Caucus to protect Florida's natural heritage and water supply for future generations.

Official statement

The Everglades is a natural treasure and is one of the true ecological wonders of the world, but its existence is in jeopardy due to decades of abuse. Recognizing this problem, I, along with Representative Alcee L. Hastings founded the Everglades Caucus in the House of Representatives.

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Earthquakes, floods, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes are increasing in severity and frequency. Read full quote

If a system repeatedly violates constitutional protections and harms communities, it is our duty to see that it STOPS. Read full quote

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Families and social services

Official record

Voted Yes on Removing Barriers to Work for Disabled Americans Act

Jul 23, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Stop Child Care Scams Act of 2026

Jun 3, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Clergy Act

Apr 27, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Firearms policy

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Government reform

Official statement

Known for his commitment to accountability and transparency, Díaz-Balart works diligently to ensure government operates efficiently and effectively to serve the interests of the American people and to save taxpayer dollars.

Official record

Voted Yes on LACA

Aug 31, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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She doesn’t take corporate or foreign PAC money, and she believes our tax dollars should make life more affordable, not line the pockets of the billionaires and corporate elites. Read full quote

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Healthcare

Delivered $1.9 billion for Community Health Centers, $10 million for cancer screenings through the Alcee L. Hastings program, and expanded pediatric medical education. Cosponsored the Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act — now law — giving seniors access to breakthrough early cancer detection.

Official record

Cosponsored Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act of 2025

Jun 2, 2026 · Source: Congress.gov

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Nicole supports the fastest responsible path to guaranteed care for every American: Medicare for All, a strong public option, Medicare buy-in, or any model that gets us to universal coverage.

Private insurers, drug companies, billing vendors, and middlemen are taking their cut. A single-payer system cuts out much of that waste, gives the public more bargaining power, and replaces corporate gatekeeping with one guarantee: care when you need it.

Protect the ACA Stop attacks on current coverage and preexisting condition protections. Read full quote

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Healthcare Access: To lower medical costs and address vulnerabilities in the current healthcare system, she formally favors a Medicare for All framework to expand universal healthcare coverage.

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Housing

Official record

Voted Yes on Whistleblower Protection Act of 2025

Sep 15, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

Feb 9, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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1. End wars that disrupt energy markets. 2. Reduce unnecessary tariffs. 3. Bring deficits and debt under control without cutting healthcare and basic services. 4. Build more housing. 5. Invest in sustainable energy. 6. Spend our tax dollars right here in the USA.

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Immigration

Official statement

Immigration This is a nation of immigrants, built by immigrants. Read full quote

Led FY26 Homeland Security funding prioritizing border security, detention and swift removal of criminal aliens, and expanded resources to stop fentanyl trafficking — plus stronger protections for vulnerable children, hardened cybersecurity, and fully funded disaster response for hurricane-prone Florida.

Detaining and removing criminal aliens, cracking down on fentanyl trafficking, and backing the men and women who enforce our laws.

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The Constitution guarantees due process. Read full quote

Across this country and my district, families, including American families, have already experienced the consequences when enforcement ignores the rulebook. Public safety matters. Genuine threats should be taken seriously. But here in America, we are the good guys! We must treat people fairly and humanely at all times.

We should also recognize that legal immigration as an economic strength. Read full quote

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Immigration Reform: While her Democratic opponent has advocated for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Meidinger Hosey stakes out a more moderate, regulatory approach. She supports comprehensive federal immigration reform paired specifically with restructuring and reforming ICE operations.

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Infrastructure and transportation

Official statement

“I’m proud to have secured funding for these vital wastewater pump upgrades in Medley. These improvements will help reduce flood risk, strengthen public safety, enhance mobility, and support more reliable infrastructure for the community.

Secured over $128.5 million through Community Project Funding for South Florida — $6M for I-75 access improvements, $4.9M for Southeast Hialeah stormwater upgrades, $973K for Miami Lakes drainage, and $9M for Collier County's Veterans Community Center. Read full quote

Official record

Voted Yes on Water Resources Development Act of 2026

Sep 16, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

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Local control

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National security and foreign policy

Official statement

“Socialism and the government takeover of our lives have no place in America. It is anathema to our way of life and the American Dream.

Directed $25 million for Cuba's democratic opposition plus $30 million for Radio and TV Martí, $50 million for human rights and civil society in Venezuela, and $15 million for democracy and religious freedom in Nicaragua — with accountability for Cuban doctor trafficking and action against Tren de Aragua.

Standing with political prisoners and dissidents in exile. Defending freedom in our hemisphere. Rejecting authoritarianism.

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The Constitution is clear. Read full quote

In late February 2026, a missile strike hit a primary school in Minab, Iran, killing over 168 people, at least 100 being children from 7-12 years old. This is a clear-cut war crime that must be prosecuted. We must also protect our military by sparing them from an illegal and deadly war.

America must strive to be a defender of peace and stability, not an aggressor driven by political gain.

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Social Security and retirement

Helped block an average 24% tax increase on FL-26 families — no tax on tips or overtime, relief for seniors on Social Security (88% expected to pay none), an expanded Child Tax Credit, and death tax relief protecting 242 family farms. Read full quote

My first promise is that I will never vote to cut Social Security benefits, raise the retirement age, privatize the program, or reduce cost-of-living adjustments.

• Protect every dollar of earned benefits • Oppose raising the retirement age • Oppose privatization • Require high-income Americans to contribute on more of their earnings • Improve benefits for low-income seniors and widows • Adopt a more accurate cost-of-living formula for seniors • Protect Social Security data and personal information • Fund Social Security offices so people can receive timely, in-person help

Congress has waited too long to act. I support asking wealthy Americans to pay Social Security taxes on more of their income, just as working families already do. That would strengthen the program without cutting earned benefits.

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Taxes and government spending

Official statement

“I am proud to have voted in favor of keeping the American government open and ensuring that our troops, law enforcement officers, and air traffic controllers continue to receive their pay.

Official statement

Having served on the House Budget Committee, I strongly believe that Congress must adhere to the principles of fiscal discipline. Read full quote

Official statement

I am proud to have voted in favor of keeping the American government open and ensuring that our troops, law enforcement officers, and air traffic controllers continue to receive their pay.

+110 more

Instead of asking working families to carry the cost of our debt, require billionaires and large corporations to contribute more.

Congress has waited too long to act. I support asking wealthy Americans to pay Social Security taxes on more of their income, just as working families already do. That would strengthen the program without cutting earned benefits.

We need to stop adding costs to the economy. There a many ways for us to turn this around, but it all starts with HITTING THE BRAKES.

+5 more

No public position found.

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Technology and privacy

Led FY26 Homeland Security funding prioritizing border security, detention and swift removal of criminal aliens, and expanded resources to stop fentanyl trafficking — plus stronger protections for vulnerable children, hardened cybersecurity, and fully funded disaster response for hurricane-prone Florida.

Official record

Voted Yes on Sunshine Protection Act of 2025

Jul 14, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Lulu’s Law

May 20, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+29 more

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Veterans

Championed $115.1 billion for VA medical care in the FY26 MILCON–VA bill — mental health, toxic exposure treatment, and rural health for Miami-Dade's 17,000-plus veterans — alongside new laws protecting veterans from fraud, inflation, and foreclosure.

Official statement

A tireless champion for his constituents, Díaz-Balart is committed to: Eliminating government waste and saving taxpayer dollars Supporting small businesses and promoting economic development Advocating for military and law enforcement Honoring veterans Promoting U.S. energy independence and dominance Securing the U.S. border and advancing national security priorities Upholding human rights and democracy, both domestically and globally Treating U.S. allies, such as Israel and Taiwan, as friends and adversaries, such as Communist China, Russia, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Iran, and North Korea, as adversaries.

+32 more

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Animals and wildlife

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Emergency management

Official record

Voted Yes on Weatherizing Infrastructure in the North and Terrorism Emergency Readiness Act of 2025

Jul 13, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on TRUE Accountability Act

Jun 8, 2026 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

Voted Yes on Enhancing Stakeholder Support and Outreach for Preparedness Grants Act

Nov 19, 2025 · Passed · Source: House Clerk

+16 more

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