Opinion

Herald endorsement: Our choice for Florida House District 115 | Opinion

By the Miami Herald Editorial Board

Updated November 2, 2024 11:41 AM

Republican candidate Omar Blanco faces Democrat Norma Perez Schwartz in Florida House District 115.

Editorial Board’s General Election Endorsements

In advance of the upcoming general elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 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 All

The race to fill the vacant Florida House District 115 seat features Republican Omar Blanco, a retired Miami-Dade Fire Department captain and former union leader, against a political newcomer, Democrat Norma Perez Schwartz.

Blanco, 52, beat two other Republicans in the August primary, while Perez Schwartz, 44, was unopposed. Both candidates want to succeed GOP state Rep. Alina Garcia, who is running for Miami-Dade elections supervisor.

Blanco and Perez Schwartz are well-acquainted with the issues facing their district, which includes Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Pinecrest, and the unincorporated neighborhoods of The Falls, Kendall and parts of Westchester.

With an open seat in contention, neither candidate can boast of a track record. They both acknowledge that high property insurance rates are affecting the quality of life of people in their district.

“The cost of living is causing people to struggle to meet their families’ needs, regardless of whether they live in a large or small house. Everyone is feeling the strain,” Blanco told the Herald Editorial Board.

Blanco’s additional priorities encompass ensuring quality education for Florida students — he is married to a Miami-Dade teacher. Blanco pledges to advocate for low taxes for Floridians and, notably, is among the few candidates who have highlighted concerns for senior citizens in the community. Blanco indicated he would vote against Amendment 4, which would end Florida’s six-week abortion ban.

Blanco said he would bring a “get it done” first responder mentality to the Legislature. This is Blanco’s second political campaign; he previously ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2020 and has served on a community council. In Tallahassee, he advocated for legislation to help first responders, including Florida’s cancer coverage law for firefighters.

In contrast, Perez Schwartz said her decision to run for public office was motivated by Florida’s abortion ban.

“I have a teenage daughter. When Roe v. Wade was overturned and Florida enacted its abortion ban, I knew I had to take action,” she said.

The Board is impressed with Perez Schwartz’s energetic grassroots campaign approach. She raised over $31,000 — a commendable amount for a newcomer. In comparison, Blanco raised $183,000.

Perez Schwartz has a true wish to serve, and we encourage her to remain engaged in politics, but she lacks political experience. Blanco, on the other hand, is well-established as an activist on behalf of his community.

The Herald endorses OMAR BLANCO in the Florida State House District 115 race.

BEHIND THE STORY

Who decides the political endorsements?

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 Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.

What does the endorsement 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 an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.

Is the Editorial Board partisan?

No. In making endorsements, 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 October 18, 2024 at 1:47 PM with the headline "Herald endorsement: Our choice for Florida House District 115 | Opinion."