Lincoln Diaz-Balart Backs Carlos Curbelo to Challenge Joe Garcia

The Republican leadership continues to rally behind Miami Dade School Board member Carlos Curbelo over his Republican opponents, including former U.S. Rep. David Rivera, R-Fla., as the GOP ponders who should challenge U.S. Rep. Joe Garcia, D-Fla., in November.

On Monday, former U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., announced he was backing Curbelo. In his endorsement, Diaz-Balart praised Curbelos integrity. Both Rivera and Garcia have faced numerous scandals during their time in Congress.

"Carlos Curbelo will be a great member of Congress, Diaz-Balart said on Monday. He is extremely talented and is a man of profound integrity. Carlos has become an expert on education. His experience and integrity will serve our community well in Congress. It is a privilege for me to support his candidacy.

Lincoln Diaz-Balart is one of the great role models for honorable public service, Curbelo said. He has dedicated many years of his life to the effective representation of our community and to the cause of freedom throughout the world. Even today he continues his public service as a private citizen. I am deeply grateful for his support.

Curbelo continues to draw on much of the Republican leadership for support. Former Gov. Jeb Bush, former U.S. Sen. George LeMieux, R-Fla., Diaz Balart, his brother U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., and U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., have all endorsed Curbelo.