Fresh off re-election, Laura Dominguez backs Richard Lamondin in pivotal CD 27 race

A Miami Beach policymaker just picked a side in one of Florida’s tightest congressional races.

City Commissioner Laura Dominguez, fresh off a decisive re-election in November, is backing fellow Democrat Richard Lamondin, calling him the best-positioned candidate to flip Florida’s 27th Congressional District.

Though Miami Beach was carved out of CD 27 during redistricting, Dominguez said the issues confronting her city mirror those families across Miami-Dade County face, from rising costs and stressed infrastructure to accelerating climate impacts.

“Those challenges don’t stop at district lines,” she said in a statement.

“Richard Lamondin understands that because he’s built a business from the ground up here, created jobs, and is raising his family here. He knows how to tackle real challenges with practical solutions and bring people together along the way. That’s why I believe he’s the Democrat best positioned to win a General Election and deliver the leadership South Florida needs in Washington.”

Dominguez’s endorsement adds to a growing roster of local leaders backing Lamondin’s effort to supplant Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar. Others backing him include Homestead Democratic state Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Miami-Dade School Board member Luisa Santos, former Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson and ex-Miami Commissioner Ken Russell.

Lamondin said in a statement that Dominguez’s support carries added weight, citing her experience governing amid fiscal and environmental strain.

“Commissioner Dominguez knows what it means to deliver for residents in a tough environment,” Lamondin said. “I’m honored to have her support. This campaign is about building a coalition that reflects the real Miami-Dade — one focused on lowering costs, strengthening our communities, and winning a general election. Laura’s leadership and trust mean a great deal. I look forward to being a partner for her city in Washington.”

The endorsement comes as Lamondin’s campaign posts strong fundraising numbers. Newly filed federal reports show him nearly matching Salazar’s fourth-quarter haul while outraising his Democratic Primary rivals, CPA Alex 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.