Rep. Luis Garcia Appointed Vice Chair of Florida Democratic Party

For Immediate Release:  June 12, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida Democratic Party Chair Karen Thurman today announced the appointment of State Representative Luis Garcia (D-Miami Beach) to the position of Vice Chair. He joins a strong circle of Thurman advisors: First Vice Chair Diane Glasser, Vice Chair Mayor Clarence Anthony and Vice Chair Congresswoman Carrie Meek.

"Luis is an exciting, dynamic Democrat, and he makes a fantastic addition to the Party leadership," Thurman said. "There are few public servants as likable and dedicated as Luis, and I look forward to working with him to elect more Democrats across Florida."

"I am humbled by the vote of confidence from Chairwoman Thurman in selecting me to serve as Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party," Garcia said. "I am proud to join a well-respected group of individuals who already serve as Vice Chairs of the Democratic Party. I am committed to building on our 2006 victories and electing more Hispanics to the Florida Legislature."

"Luis Garcia is a great asset who has proven that, with effort, the Democratic Party can make tremendous gains in the Cuban-American community in Dade County," former Hialeah Mayor Raul Martinez said. "By appointing him as Vice Chair, Chairwoman Thurman shows a genuine interest in reaching out to all of the people of Florida."

"During the 2006 election cycle, Hispanics overwhelmingly supported Democrats because they saw our Party represents their needs and values," Garcia added. "Rep. Michael Scionti of Tampa and I were proud to join our freshman class of 21 newly elected Democratic state representatives this past session, serving as the voice of Florida Hispanic Democrats in Tallahassee. Since then, residents of Central Florida have elected Darren Soto, a Puerto Rican Democrat to represent them in Tallahassee. Together, we are working to recruit Hispanic candidates from South Florida to the coveted I-4 corridor so we can build a strong Florida Hispanic Democratic Caucus."

"I look forward to working with Chairwoman Thurman, Vice Chairs Diane Glasser, Carrie Meek and Clarence Anthony to build an even stronger, more unified Florida Democratic Party," Garcia said.

Garcia's appointment is the most recent accomplishment for a man with a history of public service spanning over 30 years. Prior to winning a Republican-held State House seat in 2006, Garcia was elected twice to serve as a Miami Beach City Commissioner. He was also the first Cuban-American firefighter in the Miami Beach Fire unit, and after years of selfless dedication and service, was named the first Cuban-American Fire Chief in 1996.

In the State House, Garcia serves on the Committee on Homeland Security & Public Safety, Committee on Tourism & Trade, and Safety & Security Council.