Marco Rubio, son of Miami, becomes America’s voice on the world stage | Opinion

It’s a remarkable time for Miami-Dade, and indeed all of America, as we witness a son of Miami, Sen. Marco Rubio, become the top U.S. official on foreign relations. For a kid of immigrant parents that shares that experience with so many of us, who once played football in Miami-Dade’s public schools, who walked the same streets and shared the same aspirations as many of us, this achievement is a moment of pride and reflection. As someone who also serves the people of Miami-Dade in the Florida House, a place where Rubio established his own legacy, I am humbled and inspired by his journey and what it means for our community.

We both have served in the Florida House of Representatives, a place that shaped and prepared him for his journey. While Rubio went on to make history as the first Cuban-American speaker of the Florida House, I’m privileged to continue that work here at home. Rubio’s portrait hangs proudly in the chamber of the Florida House of Representatives serving as a humbling reminder to me of the awesome responsibility we have as lawmakers, as well as the privilege I have to serve my community in this important capacity. His portrait also watches over another Cuban-American son of Miami who is set to take the gavel next week and lead the House of Representatives as the next speaker, Rep. Daniel Perez.

Now, as the first Cuban-American secretary of state, he’s not only representing American interests abroad, he’s also serving as a symbol of hope and pride for Miami’s Cuban American community — a community that has long been characterized by its dedication to freedom, democracy and opportunity — as well as all freedom-loving people that have made Miami-Dade their home.

Rubio’s journey represents more than personal achievement, it underscores a broader shift in American politics — the growing prominence and influence of Hispanic voices within the conservative movement. Miami-Dade recently flipped from reliably blue to bright red, a shift largely driven by Cuban-American and Hispanic voters who see leaders like Rubio embodying their own ideals of faith, family, and freedom, but not solely: coalitions of residents of Miami-Dade representing a true “melting pot” that America is made a statement about the direction we want for South Florida, as well as the country. This trend is only accelerating as more Americans recognize in the GOP a party that stands for economic opportunity and the strength of individual rights, not identity politics.

As secretary of state, Rubio is now uniquely positioned to speak out against the very forms of oppression that so many of us in Miami understand all too well. He has never hesitated to call out the atrocities of the Castro regime, the brutalities in Venezuela, the worsening crisis in Haiti, or any dictatorship that stands in the way of liberty. His principled stance on issues affecting Latin America has made him a steadfast voice for freedom on the world stage.

I think of a recent encounter in the Capitol, where Rubio was ambushed by radical liberal activists questioning his support for Israel. While some might have wavered, Rubio stood firm, speaking with conviction and clarity so that there would be no doubt as to his resolve about Hamas. It’s this fearless defense of principles that makes him not only a strong leader for the country, but also a role for young people in Miami-Dade and the country.

Miami-Dade’s shift toward conservatism and our community’s deepening pride in our shared struggles and heritages are not just trends — they are testaments to the dedication and courage of leaders like Marco Rubio. As we look to the future, we should continue to support and celebrate leaders who share our roots, our values, and our dreams. With Rubio representing us on the world stage, Miami-Dade has every reason to be proud. He truly is el orgullo de Miami, the pride of Miami, a symbol of what’s possible and an inspiration as we work to build a brighter future for Miami, Florida and America.

Alex Rizo is chairman of the Miami-Dade Republican Party and represents the 112th district of the Florida House.

This story was originally published November 15, 2024 at 2:20 PM.