Career Timeline of Lincoln Díaz-Balart: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Lincoln Díaz-Balart

How Lincoln Díaz-Balart built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lincoln Díaz-Balart was a Cuban-American attorney and politician who served as a U.S. Representative for Florida from 1993 to 2011. A Republican, he previously held positions in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. Known for his conservative stance and advocacy for the Cuban exile community, he chaired the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute. After retiring from Congress, his brother Mario succeeded him. Post-congressional service, Díaz-Balart established a law practice and a consulting firm in Miami.

1982: Lost Election for Florida House of Representatives

In 1982, Díaz-Balart ran for a Florida House of Representatives seat for District 113 as a Democrat and lost to the Republican, Humberto Cortina.

1986: Served in the Florida House of Representatives

In 1986, Díaz-Balart served as a Republican in the Florida House of Representatives.

1989: Served in the Florida Senate

In 1989, Díaz-Balart served in the Florida Senate.

1992: Won election to House of Representatives

In 1992, Diaz-Balart defeated fellow State Senator Javier Souto in the Republican primary for the newly created 21st District, assuring his election to the House of Representatives.

1992: End of term in Florida Senate

In 1992, Díaz-Balart's time in the Florida Senate came to an end.

1993: Became U.S. Representative

In 1993, Lincoln Díaz-Balart became the U.S. representative for Florida's 21st congressional district.

1994: Uncontested reelection to House of Representatives

In 1994, Diaz-Balart was unopposed for reelection to the House of Representatives.

1996: Codification of United States embargo against Cuba

In 1996, Diaz-Balart achieved the codification of the United States embargo against Cuba into law.

1996: Uncontested reelection to House of Representatives

In 1996, Diaz-Balart was unopposed for reelection to the House of Representatives.

1997: Passage of Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA)

In 1997, Diaz-Balart achieved passage into law of historic pieces of legislation – such as the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA).

1998: Defeated Democrat Patrick Cusack

In 1998, Diaz-Balart defeated Democrat Patrick Cusack with 75 percent of the vote.

2000: Uncontested reelection to House of Representatives

In 2000, Diaz-Balart was unopposed for reelection to the House of Representatives.

2002: Uncontested reelection to House of Representatives

In 2002, Diaz-Balart was unopposed for reelection to the House of Representatives.

2004: Defeated Frank J. Gonzalez in U.S. House Election

In 2004, Lincoln Diaz-Balart defeated Frank J. Gonzalez, a Libertarian Party candidate, in the U.S. House election with 72.8% of the vote.

2006: Defeated Frank J. Gonzalez in U.S. House Election

In 2006, Lincoln Diaz-Balart defeated Frank J. Gonzalez, a Democrat, in the U.S. House election with 59.5% of the vote.

2008: Re-elected to Congress

In 2008, Diaz-Balart won re-election with 58% of the vote, defeating former Hialeah Mayor Raul L. Martinez.

February 2010: Announced Intention Not to Seek Re-election

In February 2010, Diaz-Balart announced his intention not to seek re-election, and his brother, Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart, ran to succeed him.

2011: Retired from the House of Representatives

In 2011, Díaz-Balart retired from the House of Representatives.

2011: Retirement from Congress

In 2011, Lincoln Díaz-Balart retired from Congress. His younger brother, Mario Díaz-Balart, succeeded him.