FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 11, 2010

Contact:

Nilda Pedrosa (305) 484-4800

Adriana Pereira (786) 493-8666

Mario Diaz-Balart Launches Congressional Campaign for District 21

MIAMI- Today Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart launched his campaign for Congressional District 21 and made the following statement:

“I will seek election to the U.S. House of Representatives this November for Congressional District 21, a seat which will be left vacant after the retirement of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart.

This is a natural move for me; in my years of public service at both the federal and state levels, I have had the privilege of representing most of the communities that make up Congressional District 21, including Hialeah, Westchester, Doral, Kendall, Miami Lakes, Hialeah Gardens, Medley and Palmetto Bay. I have done so with devotion and dedication, effectively and with proven results.

As the only Broward native in the U.S. House of Representatives, I look forward to the opportunity of representing Broward’s residents.

My decision will open a path for a number of young leaders with proven track records and distinguished service within District 25 to move up and continue serving our community.

The most difficult part of this decision is that I will no longer officially represent Collier County, Everglades City, Immokalee, the City of Homestead, Florida City, Cutler Bay and much of the Everglades and Big Cypress. I can assure my constituents in these communities that they will not be forgotten and that I will continue to fight for the issues of most concern to them and for the best interests of their communities.

To the voters of District 21, I look forward to speaking with you in the coming weeks about the urgent need to create jobs, limiting out of control government spending, lowering the national debt, and cutting taxes, while highlighting my record of working across party lines to achieve results. I will also humbly and respectfully ask for your vote this November to serve as your voice in Washington, and continue representing the needs of South Florida.”