After over 20 years in office, U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart announced today he'll be stepping down and won't seek another term.
Diaz-Balart, 55, made the announcement during a press conference at Florida International University in Miami.
The Cuban-born Republican came to Miami when he was a young boy and was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 1986. In 1989 he became a member of the Florida Senate and in 1992 he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.
"These 24 years in public office, 6 in the Florida Legislature and 18 in Congress, have constituted an extraordinary honor for me, and from the bottom of my heart I thank this community for having allowed me the privilege of fighting for the most noble of causes," Diaz-Balart said in a written statement.
Diaz-Balart spent much of his career as an advocate against Cuba's communist government, though his aunt was Fidel Castro's first wife.
Diaz-Balart thanked his staff, as well as his wife, sons and the rest of his family, which includes brother Mario, also a congressman.
Mario Diaz-Balart said he plans on switching districts to run for his brother's seat.
