Entrepreneur Richard Lamondin just notched an endorsement from Miami-Dade County School Board’s only millennial member as he campaigns for Florida’s 27th Congressional District.
Luisa Santos, who in 2020 became the School Board’s youngest-ever member[1], said in a statement that she’s supporting Lamondin because he’ll fight for a future where every student, teacher and family in Miami has a fair shot at success.
“Every day, I see the incredible potential of our students and the heavy challenges our families and teachers face. I see classrooms full of bright minds, but also parents stretched thin and educators doing so much with so little,” she said in a statement.
“I believe deeply in what’s possible for Miami. That’s why I’m proud to support my good friend Richard Lamondin for Congress. Richard listens, he shows up when it matters, and I know he’ll do right by our schools. From protecting our federal funding to reimagining how we invest in the next generation, not just through classrooms but through housing, jobs, and opportunities of the future. I know he’ll be the kind of leader who rebuilds trust, brings people together, and will never forget who he’s fighting for. He’s exactly the champion we need in Washington, D.C.”
Lamondin, a first-time candidate, is running to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar. He is the co-founder of ecofi[2], an environmental services company that has helped to conserve billions of gallons of water and prevent more than 300,000 metric tons of carbon emissions while helping renters save on utility bills.
He launched[3] his campaign in mid-May and has since raised more than $450,000[4].
The nod from Santos, a fellow Democrat, is Lamondin’s first major endorsement in the 2026 election cycle. They recorded a joint video of it here[5].
His campaign said the endorsement “marks the beginning of a wave of leaders standing with Richard Lamondin to turn the page on Congresswoman Salazar’s failed leadership and write a new chapter for Miami — one that’s Affordable, Secure, and filled with Dignity.”
Lamondin said in a statement that he is honored to have Santos’ support.
“Luisa represents the kind of leadership our schools deserve: Grounded, forward-thinking, and fearless in the fight for our future. She’s already shown what’s possible when you put students before politics, and I want to carry that same fight to Washington,” he said.
“She’s never forgotten why she ran — to serve our students and their teachers. Together, that’s the spirit we’re bringing to this campaign — one that believes in the potential of our kids and families, and refuses to accept that things can’t get better. I’m deeply honored to have her by my side.”
Lamondin is one of three Democrats competing for the chance to supplant Salazar, along with accountant Alexander Fornino and former federal prosecutor Robin Peguero.
CD 27 covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.
Salazar won re-election last year by nearly 21 points.
References
- ^ youngest-ever member (luisasantos.com)
- ^ ecofi (goecofi.com)
- ^ launched (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ raised more than $450,000 (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ here (www.instagram.com)