The Diaz-Balart Family
The Family
The Díaz-Balart family was prominent in Cuban politics before the revolution — Rafael Díaz-Balart Sr. was a notable figure in the pre-Castro government — and carries one of history's stranger footnotes: Rafael's sister Mirta was Fidel Castro's first wife, making the family briefly, by marriage, kin to the man whose revolution would define their exile.
In Miami, the family became the political backbone of the exile community. Lincoln Díaz-Balart and Mario Díaz-Balart served as influential members of Congress, carrying hardline Cuba policy and South Florida priorities to Washington across decades; another family member, journalist José Díaz-Balart, became a prominent network news anchor. Out of respect for living public figures, this site sticks to their documented public roles.
Why They Matter
The Díaz-Balarts are the clearest example of Little Havana's political tradition institutionalized into durable, multi-generational power. Together with figures like Jorge Mas Canosa, they made Cuban Miami a force in national politics and gave the exile community sustained representation in Congress — a degree of political influence few American immigrant communities have achieved.
The family's pre-revolutionary prominence and its Castro connection also make it a living link between Cuban and Cuban-American history.
Where You See Them Today
The family remains prominent in Miami-Dade politics and media, and the Cuban-American congressional tradition they helped define endures. Their career is a standard reference in any account of how exile Miami acquired political power.
Further Reading
- Ann Louise Bardach, Cuba Confidential
- Histories of Cuban-American politics in South Florida
Neighborhoods: Little Havana Eras: The First Cuban Exile Wave Movements: The Cuban Exile Wave Related people: Lincoln Diaz-Balart · Mario Diaz-Balart · Rafael Diaz-Balart Sr. Related dynasties: The Mas Family · The Suarez Family