Herald endorsement: Our pick in Florida House District 112 election | Opinion

By the Miami Herald Editorial Board

Updated November 2, 2024 11:41 AM

In district covering Hialeah and Miami Springs, Republican Alex Rizo runs for reelection against Jacqueline “Jackie” Gil-Abarzua on the November general election ballot.

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.

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The November election in Florida House District 112 pits Republican state Rep. Alex Rizo against Democrat Jacqueline “Jackie” Gil-Abarzua. Both are from Hialeah and have a background in education.

The largely conservative district covers Hialeah, Hialeah Estates, Miami Springs, Miami International Airport and West Flagler. Our pick is Rizo.

Rizo, first elected in 2020, is a former teacher who runs a company that provides tutoring services at schools. He has sponsored several education bills, including one that was a priority of Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2022 to cut back on standardized testing in schools. He told the Herald Editorial Board he’s successfully pushed to increase per-student school funding for Miami-Dade.

Rizo co-sponsored a 2023 law that allows a college exam alternative to the SAT that’s been described by supporters as “Christian and classical,” as well as an alternative for Advanced Placement courses. The bill was approved with bipartisan support because it included a slew of other education measures, but it had its foot in DeSantis’ culture wars. It was introduced just as DeSantis was feuding with the company that designed an AP African American studies high-school course.

Rizo also co-sponsored the ill-conceived proposal, which will appear on the November ballot as Amendment 1, to inject party politics into school boards by forcing candidates to run in partisan elections. He’s also behind legislation that created a “Victims of Communism Day” every Nov. 7 at public schools.

If reelected, he wants to file a bill to increase Medicaid funding for senior day-care centers, which he said have not seen an increase in 13 years. He also wants to change one of the formulas for education funding so that Miami-Dade and other large districts get more money.

Rizo said one of the main issues in his district are the hefty fees condo owners are paying as a result of the safety reforms the Legislature approved after the 2021 Surfside building collapse killed 98 people. He expects lawmakers to discuss another condo bill next legislative session.

Gil-Abarzua, a teacher at Thomas Jefferson/Biscayne Garden K-8 Academy, said she’s running because “I’m seeing how my district is just being slowly destroyed by developers.” She also criticized the lack of accountability for private schools that are part of the state’s school voucher program — which Rizo supports — that allows students to attend those schools on taxpayer dollars. She wants to advocate for better teacher pay.

With Democrats making up the smallest share of registered voters after Republicans and independents in District 112, Gil-Abarzua has struggled to gain traction, raising only $2,500. She’s passionate but has not mounted an effective campaign to oust the incumbent.

The Herald Editorial Board endorses ALEX RIZO for Florida House District 112.

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 16, 2024 at 2:23 PM.