Ron DeSantis Picks Miami Legislator As Running Mate

MIAMI, FL – Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron DeSantis has picked a Cuban-American state legislator from Miami to be his running mate. State Rep. Jeanette Nuñez becomes the first Cuban-American woman to run for the position of lieutenant governor in Florida. During the 2016 presidential election, she famously referred to then presidential candidate Donald Trump as a "con man" on social media.

“Jeanette Nuñez is a strong, principled leader who will be an outstanding Lieutenant Governor for the people of Florida,” Congressman DeSantis said in announcing the selection. “She has a proven record of leadership and legislative accomplishments, delivering for both her constituents in Miami-Dade and the state of Florida as a whole."

President Trump's endorsement of DeSantis helped propel the congressman to victory in Florida's Republican primary last week. Nuñez, who now serves as Speaker Pro Tempore of the Florida House of Representatives, was an ardent support of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in his failed bid to win the Republican nomination for president ahead of the 2016 presidential election.

Her controversial tweet was subsequently deleted, but copies were published Thursday by various news organizations, including The Miami Herald and Local 10 News in Miami.

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"Wake up Florida voters," the tweet read. "Trump is the biggest con-man there is. #nosubstance #anti-Israel #supportsKKK #nevertrump VOTE @marcorubio #RUBIO."

Nuñez campaigned with DeSantis at events in Orlando and Miami on Thursday.

"Jeanette will help us build on our economic success, protect our environment and empower parents to make the best educational decisions for their children," DeSantis said. "I look forward to campaigning with her across our great state to secure Florida’s future.”

Nuñez will deliver Florida's Cuban vote.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the people of Florida with Congressman DeSantis,” said Nuñez. “In South Florida, we know that by empowering the free market — not big government — we succeed as a state. Together, I know we can build an economy that works for all Floridians, protect our natural resources and provide every child a great education. I’m excited about sharing our message across the Sunshine State and bringing home a big win in November.”

Born and raised in Miami, Nuñez was first elected in 2010 to the Florida House of Representatives and was re-elected in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Nuñez has served in the past as an adjunct professor at Florida International University. She has been involved with the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Miami, WHEN, and Women in Government, according to the campaign.

She is married to Adrian Nuñez. The couple has three children – Megan, Justin,and Jason.

Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)