Carlos Antonio Gimenez is the U.S. Representative for Florida’s 28th congressional district, which includes all of Monroe County and the southwestern portion of Miami-Dade County. He was first elected to Congress in 2020 and is notable for being both the only Cuban-born individual and the first career firefighter to serve in the House of Representatives. Currently, he is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party.
Carlos Gimenez Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Carlos Gimenez was born in 1954 and fled Cuba with his family shortly after the Communist takeover, eventually settling in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood. This experience gave him a profound appreciation for freedom and a commitment to public service.
Firefighting Career: In 1975, Gimenez joined the City of Miami Fire Department, beginning a 25-year career. He became the first Cuban-American to serve as the Chief of the department, leading it for nine years.
Political Career: Gimenez transitioned into politics, initially serving as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner before becoming the Mayor of Miami-Dade County. In 2020, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida’s 26th district, which was redefined as the 28th district after redistricting.
Carlos Gimenez Sponsored Legislation
As of the 118th Congress (2023-2024), Representative Gimenez has sponsored several bills, including:
H.R. 9066: Cuba Threat Assessment Act (Introduced July 18, 2024): This bill aims to assess threats posed by Cuba to U.S. national security.
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H.R. 8631: Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act (Introduced June 5, 2024): This legislation seeks to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign adversaries for battery components, promoting domestic production and supply chain security.
H.R. 8608: SAFE Act (Introduced June 4, 2024): The specifics of this bill are not detailed in the available sources.
Carlos Gimenez Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
Abortion: On January 23, 2025, Gimenez voted in favor of the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act (H.R. 21), which mandates that infants who survive abortion attempts receive the same medical care as any newborn.
Immigration: Gimenez has shown a willingness to address immigration reform beyond strict border security measures. He has collaborated with fellow Miami-Dade County Republicans to propose solutions that stray from hardline stances, aiming to address both border security and the status of undocumented immigrants.
Carlos Gimenez Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
Government Spending: Gimenez has expressed concerns about excessive government spending. He voted against the $1.66 trillion omnibus spending package, citing issues such as the inclusion of $47 billion in aid to Ukraine and $38 billion in disaster funding without sufficient oversight.
Energy Independence: Through his sponsorship of the Decoupling from Foreign Adversarial Battery Dependence Act, Gimenez advocates for reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for critical energy components, promoting domestic production to enhance national security.
Carlos Gimenez Demographics of Florida’s 28th Congressional District
Florida’s 28th congressional district includes all of Monroe County and the southwestern portion of Miami-Dade County. The district encompasses the Florida Keys and many of Miami’s outer southwestern suburbs, including Homestead, The Hammocks, Kendale Lakes, and Tamiami. All three of Florida’s national parks—the Everglades, Biscayne, and the Dry Tortugas—are also located in this district.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s “My Congressional District” tool, the district has a diverse population with a significant Hispanic community. The median household income is $79,381.
Carlos Gimenez Controversial Statements
As of the latest available information, there are no widely reported controversial statements attributed to Representative Carlos Gimenez. He is generally recognized for his pragmatic approach to governance and his focus on public service.
In summary, Representative Carlos Gimenez’s career reflects a commitment to public service, from his beginnings as a firefighter to his roles in local and national government. His legislative efforts and voting record indicate a focus on national security, fiscal responsibility, and pragmatic solutions to complex social issues.