Former Hialeah Council President Jesus Tundidor is adding support to his House District 112 bid from three sitting officials who already answer to voters in the district.
His campaign just announced nods from Miami-Dade School Board member Dan Espino, Virginia Gardens Mayor Spencer Deno and Miami Commissioner Rolando Escalona.
They’re the first three public figures to back Tundidor since he announced his candidacy — and a nod from future House Speaker Mike Redondo — last week.
Espino, who represents District 5 on the School Board, said in a statement that he and Tundidor share more than a record of public service; both are raising big families in the community, he said, and know how decisions made in office land on neighbors and children.
“As a School Board member, I care deeply about giving our students and families the support they deserve, and that starts with leaders in Tallahassee who understand our schools and the families they serve,” he said.
“Jesus has always shown up for our community, and I know he will bring that same perspective, commitment, and sense of responsibility to Tallahassee.”
Escalona, who represents Miami’s District 3, said many South Florida families “are working harder and still falling behind,” and Tundidor will fight for them as a state lawmaker.
“Skyrocketing property insurance, rising housing costs, and everyday expenses are putting the American Dream further out of reach,” he said. “We need someone in Tallahassee who understands that struggle, will stand up for our seniors, and will fight for our families. That’s why I’m endorsing Jesus Tundidor for State Representative in District 112.”
Tundidor said in a statement that he’s “honored” to add the backing of leaders with a ground-level view of the district.
“Dan, Rolando, and Mayor Deno see every day what our community needs,” he said. “I’m grateful for their trust as we work to bring that same commitment to Tallahassee.”
A healthcare executive and lifelong Hialeah resident, Tundidor sat on the City Council from 2019 until this January.
He’s running to replace Hialeah Republican Rep. Alex Rizo, who won another term unopposed in June but is giving up the seat to run for Senate District 39, which opened when Bryan Ávila resigned to join Byron Donalds’ gubernatorial ticket.
HD 112 covers a portion of northwestern Miami-Dade, including most of Hialeah, Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens and part of Miami. Miami International Airport also sits within its boundaries.
No one else has announced a bid for the seat.
Gov. Ron DeSantis has not set a date for the Special Election.
