Surprise Miami Mayor's 2024 bid heats up Republican fight for Florida

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez (second from right) with his wife Gloria Suarez hit rival Ron DeSantis as the race for the GOP nomination in Florida intensifies.

Miami's mayor, who this week became the third Floridian to complete an already crowded primary, has criticized the governor's expansion of his controversial «Don't Say Gay» law.

A 45-year-old Cuban-American called the ban on the discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools for all grades, not just elementary students, «excessive.»

< p>Unlike his opponent, DeSantis, 44, who has committed to waging a «war on the awakened ones,» Mr. Suarez told NBC News: «I think we have to make sure that, as you know, young people are actually getting sex education.» .

“We need to make sure our kids can grow up in an environment where they can make the right choices, but I don't think it should be indoctrination. And I think that's where the debate can be.”

Mr. Suarez also criticized the Florida governor's ongoing feud with Disney, fueled in 2022 by then-CEO Bob Chapek, who criticized education legislation.

Mr. Suarez said Mr. DeSantis was «wrong» in continuing the dispute. , saying «You can't turn political battles into personal ones.»

Republican presidential candidate and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Credit: Oklahoma/Nathan J. Fish

Suarez, the first Hispanic candidate running on the 2024 bid, launched his campaign on Thursday, the day after the filing of the official paperwork. He describes himself as «the biggest threat to the Democratic Party, Hispanic, conservative, big city Republican — unicorn among all unicorns.»

Republican candidates Suarez, DeSantis and Donald Trump are alive. in Florida.

Mr. Suarez voted for Mr. DeSantis' Democratic opponent in the 2018 gubernatorial race, although he voted for him in 2022.

He did not vote for Trump in 2016 or 2020. He said he would vote for the former president this year if he was chosen as the Republican nominee.

Mr. Suarez called Miami «inclusive» and » tolerant» city, adding: «we want everyone to feel comfortable and confident being in our city, and this is something — this is the diversity of our city, this is a strength for us»,

In 2020 2020, before he was re-elected for a second term as mayor, Mr. Suarez signed an ordinance in 2020 aimed at «recognizing the many years of LGBTQ contributions.» Miami residents to the city's economy and diversity.»