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Florida Democrats elect former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz as state leader

Father of Miami Hurricanes head coach replaces Terrie Rizzo
Manny Diaz, former Miami mayor, in March 2020
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Brynn Anderson/AP
Former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz speaks before Democratic presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg during a news conference Tuesday, March 3, 2020, in the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami.
Manny Diaz, former Miami mayor, in March 2020
Posted at 9:10 AM, Jan 11, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-11 09:10:04-05

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Florida Democratic Party leaders have elected former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz as the state's new party chair.

They are hoping the Cuban American can turn the party's fortune after losing two straight presidential races, six straight gubernatorial defeats and losses of both U.S. Senate seats.

Diaz got 54% of the vote of party leaders Saturday.

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He replaces Terrie Rizzo, who had been chair for three years and chose not to run for re-election.

Diaz is taking over a state party that lost ground in November's election, causing some national political commentators to suggest Florida may no longer be a swing state but instead solidly Republican.

He is the father of Miami Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz Jr.

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