Mario Diaz-Balart wins reelection in Florida’s 26th Congressional District

Republican U.S. Representative Mario Diaz-Balart has secured reelection in Florida's 26th Congressional District, according to CBS News Miami. The district covers parts of northwest Miami-Dade and southwest Broward counties, including areas near Hialeah, Miami Lakes, and Doral.

The race was closely contested against Democratic challenger Nicole Locklin and remained undecided for nearly a week after the November 3 midterm election. Diaz-Balart ultimately won by about 1,700 votes, as reported by WSVN 7News and confirmed by the Associated Press.

Diaz-Balart, who has represented South Florida in Congress since 2002 and is Florida's longest-serving current member of Congress, faced a more competitive district after recent boundary changes removed Collier County and added parts of southwest Broward.

Throughout his campaign, Diaz-Balart emphasized his experience and efforts to reduce federal spending, highlighting $12 billion in spending cuts through a congressional subcommittee he chairs. He also promoted federal tax breaks for tipped workers and seniors, as well as securing funding for infrastructure, Everglades restoration, law enforcement, schools, and housing.

Key issues in the campaign included affordability, with candidates proposing different solutions to rising housing, grocery, and gasoline costs. Diaz-Balart supported increasing domestic energy production and refining capacity to address fuel prices. Immigration was also a prominent topic in the campaign, particularly in communities such as Hialeah and Doral.