David Richardson backs Richard Lamondin for CD 27

Former Miami Beach Vice Mayor and state Rep. David Richardson is backing Democratic entrepreneur Richard Lamondin for Congress.

Richardson said Lamondin is “best positioned to build the broad voter coalition it will take” to defeat Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar this November in Florida’s 27th Congressional District, one of the state’s most competitive seats this cycle.

He cited Lamondin’s focus on affordability, dignity and coalition-building.

“I’ve known Richard for over a decade, and I’ve watched him grow into the kind of leader this community deserves,” Richardson said in a statement.

“Born and raised here, Richard built a successful company from the ground up focused on lowering costs for renters and businesses. He and his wife are now raising their son right here in Miami. He understands this community in a real and personal way — and he knows how to bring people together around shared priorities.”

Richardson — who represented portions of CD 27 in the Legislature and is well known for his work on consumer protections, housing policy and LGBTQ equality — said voters are increasingly frustrated by rising living costs, housing insecurity and what he described as ineffective leadership in Washington.

“Richard brings empathy, competence, and a clear sense of responsibility to public service,” he said. “He’s determined to take on the affordability crisis head-on, lower costs, and restore trust in government.”

The endorsement from Richardson joins others from Homestead Democratic state Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Miami-Dade School Board member Luisa Santos and former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell.

Lamondin said in a statement that Richardson’s support reflects his campaign’s emphasis on governing with purpose and restoring trust in government.

“David Richardson has spent his career standing up for families, seniors and communities that too often get left behind,” Lamondin said. “He understands how broken our politics have become — and how urgently we need leaders who lead with compassion and seriousness. I’m honored to earn his support as we build a coalition focused on lowering costs and making government work for everyone.”

Lamondin, who tapped politics pro Manny Orozco this week to serve as his Campaign Manager, is set to face two Primary opponents: accountant Alexander Fornino and former prosecutor Robin Peguero.

CD 27, one of three Florida districts that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has highlighted as “in play,” covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.

Salazar has held the seat since January 2021.