hot646 Herald endorsement: Our pick in Florida House District 115 Republican primary | Opinion
In advance of the upcoming primary elections on Aug. 20, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race.
Expand AllThe Republican primary to fill the empty Florida House District 115 seat is attracting some attention over allegations that one of the three candidates is not a resident but an out-of-towner.
Alian Alejandro Collazo, 29, the former chief of staff for Republican state Sen. Alexis Calatayud, lived and voted in Tampa until recently.
With hefty campaign coffers, he is joining Moises Benhabib, 33, a former U.S. State Department employee and entrepreneur, and Omar Blanco, a Miami-Dade Fire Department captain for the last 20 years. They seek to fill the seat being vacated by state Rep. Alina Garcia, who is running for Miami-Dade elections supervisor.
The winner of the Aug. 20 Republican primary will face unchallenged Democrat Norma Perez Schwartz in November.
While Collazo did not respond to invitations to be interviewed by the Miami Herald Editorial Board, Benhabib and Blanco did.
Both are well-versed in the problems in their district, which includes Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and the unincorporated neighborhoods of The Falls, Kendall, and Westchester. Both said public service has been a cornerstone of their lives and want to serve their district in Tallahassee.
Benhabib says he can parlay his eight years of diplomatic work to get things done. “I have a unique set of skills as a diplomat, I’m used to getting things done at the State Department. I was known as Bob the Builder,” Benhabib said.
Both agree that the top concern for district residents is the high cost of property insurance, which is impacting their overall quality of life.
“The cost of living, particularly property insurance, is causing people to struggle to meet the needs of their families. It doesn’t matter if you’re living in a big house or small house. Everyone is struggling,” Blanco said.
Another issue is traffic congestion, property taxes and, for parents with children in the district, a key issue is parental rights in schools, they said.
Both candidates say they are pro-life and will vote against Amendment 4, the measure that would remove the ban on most abortions in the state after six weeks and restore it to the point of viability, which is when a fetus can survive outside the womb, usually at 24 weeks.
There is little difference between Benhabib and Blanco. They agree on most issues and are turning their political attacks on Collazo.
“At least we are from here. The other opponent is not from here,” Benhabib said.
The board was impressed with Benhabib and Blanco, who seem genuinely concerned for their district.
The Herald gives Blanco the edge for his long service and residence in the district, although we encourage Benhabib to remain in politics.
The Herald endorses OMAR BLANCO in the Florida State House District 115 Republican primary.
BEHIND OUR REPORTING Who decides the political recommendations?In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Luisa Yanez and Isadora Rangel. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the recommendation process look like?The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making a recommendation. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive a recommendation.
Is the Editorial Board partisan?No. In making recommendations, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.
This story was originally published July 30, 2024, 5:00 AM.
Get unlimited digital access #ReadLocalTry 1 month for $1
CLAIM OFFER
Editorials
Herald endorsement: Our recommendation on homelessness tax in Miami Beach, Bal Harbour | Opinion
Updated October 14, 2024 3:47 PM
Editorials
Herald endorsement: Our choice in Florida House District 113 | Opinion
Updated October 14, 2024 3:47 PM
Editorials
Herald endorsement: Our choice in Florida’s U.S. Senate race | Opinion
Updated October 14, 2024 3:47 PM
Election Recommendations
Herald endorsement: Two Florida Supreme court justices deserve a ‘no’ on retention vote | Opinion
Updated October 14, 2024 3:47 PM
Election Recommendations
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade School Board District 3 runoff | Opinion
October 09, 2024 12:43 PM
Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.
Miami Herald App
Part of the McClatchy Media Network
Copyright Commenting Policy Privacy PolicyCookie Preferences Your Privacy Choices Terms of Service Miami Herald Editorial Board’s 2024 Election EndorsementsIn advance of the upcoming primary elections on Aug. 20hot646, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race.
Herald endorsement: Vote ‘no’ on one of the city of Miami’s primary ballot questions | Opinion
August 13, 2024 11:10 AM
Herald endorsement: Two top Republicans in Miami-Dade Sheriff primary but one stands out | Opinion
August 14, 2024 7:19 PM
.png)
Herald endorsement: Our choice in the Miami-Dade sheriff Democratic primary | Opinion
August 14, 2024 1:22 PM
Herald endorses: Our pick in Miami-Dade Commission District 3 | Opinion
August 15, 2024 6:02 PM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade County Commission District 7 | Opinion
August 12, 2024 5:15 PM
Herald endorsement: Our choice for Miami-Dade County Commission District 11 | Opinion
August 12, 2024 11:22 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in the Miami-Dade Tax Collector Republican primary | Opinion
August 09, 2024 1:18 PM
Herald endorsement: Miami-Dade supervisor of elections Democratic primary | Opinion
August 09, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick for Miami-Dade’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Group 29 | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: The best choice in Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Group 8 race | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: The best choice for Miami-Dade County judge Group 29 | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade County Court Judge Group 31 | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in the U.S. House District 27 Democratic primary | Opinion
August 14, 2024 3:30 PM
Herald endorsement: The best choice in Florida House District 106 Republican primary | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: The best choice in Florida House District 107 primary election | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Florida House District 109 primary | Opinion
July 30, 2024 1:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Florida House District 115 Republican primary | Opinion
July 30, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: The best choice in Miami-Dade School Board District 3 race | Opinion
August 01, 2024 5:00 AM
.png)
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade School Board District 7 | Opinion
August 01, 2024 5:00 AM
Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade School Board District 9 | Opinion
August 01, 2024 5:00 AM
1
2
Back to Story