Rep. Carlos Gimenez (R-Fla.) has officially announced his candidacy for chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, following the resignation of current chair Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), who will leave Congress once the megabill is passed. The Florida Republican’s campaign emphasizes his extensive experience in Florida governance, including roles as county commissioner and mayor of Fort Myers, which he argues positions him as the top choice for the powerful post.
“The reason why he’s served for 25 years and hasn’t lost an election is because he’s a straight shooter, people trust him,” a Gimenez spokesperson told POLITICO about his career in public office. The spokesperson highlighted the candidate’s track record of effective governance and his focus on issues like immigration enforcement, which has been a central theme in his campaign for the committee chairmanship.
Gimenez, a Cuban immigrant, has personally visited ICE detention centers across South Florida recently, emphasizing the importance of robust enforcement measures in border and immigration policy. He has also been a strong advocate for the megabill, which is expected to provide significant funding for the Department of Homeland Security. In his letter of intent, he argued that his hands-on experience in local government, including roles such as county commissioner and mayor of Fort Myers, qualifies him to lead the committee effectively.
The current chair, Rep. Mark Green (R-Tenn.), has announced his intention to resign from Congress once the megabill is passed, marking the end of his tenure in the House. This transition will open up the chairmanship position, which is a key leadership role within the committee responsible for overseeing national security, immigration policy, and emergency preparedness. With Green’s departure, the competition for the chairmanship is expected to be intense, with Gimenez among the leading candidates.
Gimenez’s campaign has also highlighted his personal connection to the issues at hand, as a Cuban immigrant who has navigated the complexities of U.S. immigration policy. This background, combined with his practical experience in governance, positions him as a strong candidate for the leadership role. His ability to balance policy advocacy with real-world implementation has been a key point in his campaign, as he seeks to solidify his position as the leader of the committee amid significant policy changes and challenges.