Democrat Hector Mujica just announced an endorsement from U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro in his bid for Florida’s 28th Congressional District, the future of which is in doubt due to state party affiliation strictures.
Mujica, a former Google philanthropy executive running to unseat Republican Carlos Giménez, is “exactly the kind of leader South Florida needs in Congress,” Castro said.
“He brings real-world experience, a deep commitment to democracy and human dignity, and a clear understanding of the economic pressures facing working families,” Castro added.
“From expanding opportunity and lowering costs at home to approaching challenges like fixing our immigration system with fairness and accountability, Hector will be a serious, thoughtful voice in Washington. I’m proud to endorse him in Florida’s 28th District.”
The nod from Castro, a Texas Democrat, adds to others from U.S. Sen. Robin Gallego; U.S. Reps. Teresa Leger Fernández, Raul Ruiz and Adam Smith; Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava; former Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Castillo; and U.S. Senate candidate Alex Vindman, among others.
“I’m running to fight for accountability, affordability, and democratic values that hold this country together,” Mujica said. “I believe in public safety, the rule of law, and a government that earns people’s trust through transparency and accountability.”
According to Florida law, a candidate seeking a political party’s nomination in Florida must have been a registered member of that party for at least 365 days before qualifying. Mujica does not meet that standard, based on Broward County Supervisor of Elections materials Florida Politics reviewed, which show Mujica left the Democratic Party briefly last year, before switching back on July 26, 2025 — well within the year threshold required.
His campaign has denied he made any changes to his voter file, chalking up the issue to a technical glitch or clerical error. The Broward Supervisor of Elections Office has not made a formal statement about Mujica’s party switch last June was due to a mistake by the agency, or how, if no one was aware of the issue, how Mujica’s status was returned to Democrat seven weeks later.
Phil Ehr, a retired Navy Commander also running for the Democratic Party nomination, filed a complaint against Mujica with the Florida Elections Commission challenging his eligibility.
Before launching his campaign in April for CD 28, which covers parts of south Miami-Dade and all of Monroe County, Mujica was running for U.S. Senate, during which he raised and spent more than $637,000.
The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.
Jesse Scheckner has covered South Florida with a focus on Miami-Dade County since 2012. His work has been recognized by the Hearst Foundation, Society of Professional Journalists, Florida Society of News Editors, Florida MMA Awards and Miami New Times. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JesseScheckner.
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