Coral Gables, Florida, October 5, 2015. Decorated Army veteran and healthcare executive Daisy Baez announces her candidacy for State Representative in District 114.

“Running for Florida State House last year was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. The opportunities of meeting the incredible people of our community and connect with them on the issues affecting working families, made a lasting impression on me,” said Daisy.

“I’m running for State Representative because the problems affecting our community are still not being addressed in Tallahassee. Parents deserve to have high quality public schools for their children, students need a fully-funded Bright Futures program that will allow them to achieve their greatest potential, working families should not have to choose between paying their mortgage or seeking medical care, and thousands remain without access to affordable healthcare. Right now, these issues are being drowned out by the big special interests that run Tallahassee”

“I’m excited to hit the campaign trail and share my positive vision for our community. It’s time the people of District 114 had a Representative they can trust and rely on to work for them in Tallahassee.”

Daisy Baez is a healthcare executive who has been a resident of Coral Gables for the past 15 years. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Daisy moved to the United States after graduating from high school. At the age of 20, Daisy enlisted in the United States Army. After basic and advanced training, she was assigned to the First Cavalry Division Surgeons’ Office in Fort Hood Texas. Daisy was a highly decorated soldier; earning an Army Commendation Medal, two Army Achievement Medals, and several Department of the Army, Department of Defense, and First Cavalry Division Certificates of Achievement. She was honorably discharged in 1983 at the end of her military service. After her service in the Army, Daisy earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Central Texas and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Sam Houston State University. Daisy has worked in the health care industry for over 30 years. She is a committed community activist serving on the Merrick House Museum Board and Barry University Health Profession Advisory Board. Daisy is the founder and Executive Director of the Dominican Health Care Association of Florida. She has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including the 2015 Hispanic Woman of Distinction. She is a single mother to her 26 year old daughter Nicole.