Former Florida Congressman Lincoln Díaz-Balart dies at 70

Lincoln Díaz-Balart, a former Republican congressman from Florida and a staunch advocate for Cuban freedom, has died at the age of 70. His brother, Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), confirmed his passing in a statement on Monday morning.

"It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Lincoln Díaz-Balart. Lincoln’s profound love for the United States and his relentless commitment to the cause of a free Cuba guided him throughout his life and his 24 years in elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives," the statement read.

Díaz-Balart, born in 1954 in Havana, Cuba, represented South Florida’s Cuban-American community in Congress from 1993 to 2011. He was a vocal advocate for democratic reforms in Cuba and worked to support immigrant communities in the U.S. One of his key contributions was helping draft the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), which granted legal residency to thousands of immigrants fleeing political unrest.

In 2003, he co-founded the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute, serving as chair emeritus.

Díaz-Balart is survived by his wife, Christina, his son Daniel, two grandchildren, and three siblings. His first son, Lincoln Gabriel, predeceased him.

A public memorial Mass will be held later, according to the family.