Frank Lago files to succeed Vicki Lopez, lands her endorsement

Republican businessman Frank Lago has filed to run for House District 113 to succeed Vicki Lopez. And Lopez is endorsing Lago as her preferred successor.

Lopez, a Republican, was appointed by the Miami-Dade Commission this week to fill the District 5 seat vacated earlier this month by Eileen Higgins, a Democrat.

Lopez said serving her community in the Legislature “has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” adding that it is imperative to have “an effective and strong voice for District 113.”

“I know and trust Frank Lago to carry the torch forward. Frank will bring the dedication, character, and work ethic that this district demands and deserves. He has a true servant’s heart and I’m proud to give him my full support as he launches his campaign,” she said.

“I’m deeply grateful to Representative Vicki Lopez for her endorsement,” Lago added.

”Representative Lopez has served our community with heart, integrity, and a genuine commitment to helping and improving Miami. Her leadership in Tallahassee has set an incredibly strong foundation and I’m excited to continue building on the work she has done.”

Lago is a Miami-Dade County native, graduating from Christopher Columbus High School and earning both his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Florida International University, where he began his career as an urban planner.

“Our community is a global destination for business development, tourism, and most especially, those who escaped tyranny and oppression in pursuit of the American Dream. I’m running for State Representative to protect that dream. A dream that offers opportunities for all and prosperity for those who value hard work and innovation,” Lago said.

In addition to urban planning, Lago also worked with various municipalities in South Florida on economic development initiatives, according to his campaign, which said his work helped lay the foundation for future growth in West Miami, Sweetwater and other areas.

That includes helping to create the University City District in Sweetwater, and helping to design and implement a vision leading to expanding the city’s tax base.

Now, Lago works in real estate advising and consulting on land and development issues for workforce and affordable housing and office and industrial real estate. His client roster includes The Easter Seals of South Florida, Borinquen Medical Centers and other nonprofit organizations, his campaign said.

Lago also serves as Chair of the Miami-Dade County Planning Advisory Board.

HD 113 has been trending red in recent years and now has a slight voter registration advantage for Republicans in the Miami-based district, at just shy of 31% to 29%, according to the most recent L2 voter data. Lopez won re-election to the seat last year with nearly 55% of the vote. She won it in 2022 with 51%.

One other Republican is filed for the race, Tony Diaz. Democrat Justin Mendoza Routt is also running.