Cuban-American Politician Lincoln Díaz-Balart Passes Away at 70

MIAMI, Fla. — Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a prominent Cuban-American Republican politician who fiercely opposed Fidel Castro’s regime and championed immigrant rights, died Monday morning from cancer. He was 70 years old.

The news of Díaz-Balart’s death was shared by his brother, U.S. Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, in a statement announcing the family’s sorrow. “Defender of the silenced and oppressed, author of the democracy requirement for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against the Cuban dictatorship, Lincoln’s legacy of achievements will endure for generations,” he wrote.

Born in Havana on August 13, 1954, Lincoln and his family fled Cuba after the 1959 Cuban Revolution, which marked the beginning of a life dedicated to advocating for democracy and human rights. His father, Rafael, was president of the Cuban Senate under Fulgencio Batista and later a significant political influence in the United States.

Díaz-Balart built a political career in South Florida, serving in the Florida House of Representatives before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992, where he served until 2011. Throughout his nearly two-decade tenure, he was a staunch opponent of the Cuban government, advocating for policies that tightened the U.S. embargo and linking sanctions to democratic reforms in Cuba.

During his term, he notably contributed to the creation of the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act, also known as the Helms-Burton Act, which established conditions for the suspension of the Cuban embargo — including the release of political prisoners and democratic elections. “I believe it was the most important achievement of my 18 years in the U.S. Congress,” he once stated.

José Díaz-Balart, an NBC News anchor and Lincoln’s brother, reflected on his sibling’s commitment to service during an MSNBC tribute. “He lived a life of service and did so in the most generous, effective and compassionate way,” he said. “For that, and a whole lot more, I’m eternally grateful to him.”

In addition to his focus on Cuba, Díaz-Balart was active in emergency immigration reform and defended the rights of immigrants fleeing violence and hardship. His legislation included the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act.

Throughout his political career, Lincoln Díaz-Balart was honored as a trailblazer for the Hispanic community, deeply influencing many who followed in his footsteps. Representative Tony Gonzales, chair of the Congressional Hispanic Conference, expressed deep sadness at his passing, underscoring Díaz-Balart’s dedication to the Cuban people’s freedom. “His legacy and years of public service will live on through the many individuals touched by his monumental life of service,” Gonzales stated.

Díaz-Balart is survived by his wife, Cristina; his son, Daniel, and daughter-in-law, Estefania; his grandsons, Lincoln Daniel and Edwin Rafael; and his brothers, Mario, Rafael, and José. The family plans to announce details for a public memorial mass in honor of his life.

U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar acknowledged the impact Díaz-Balart had on future lawmakers, stating, “He paved the way for those of us who follow his work in Congress today.” Similarly, U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez remembered him as “a titan, a patriot, and a champion for freedom.” As the Cuban-American community mourns the loss of a significant leader, Lincoln Díaz-Balart’s legacy as an advocate for democracy and immigrant rights will undoubtedly endure.