Miami, Florida, May 1,2017.– Decorated Army veteran, healthcare executive, and current Florida State Representative Daisy Baez filed paperwork to run for the recently vacated State Senate District 40 seat.

In announcing her candidacy, Representative Daisy Baez issued the following statement:

“As a veteran and an immigrant, I have spent my adult life working hard to repay this country for the incredible opportunities provided to my family and I so we could achieve the American Dream. Serving in the Florida House has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and serving in the Florida Senate will allow me to continue to work on behalf of our community in a much greater capacity.

“I’m running for State Senate which is where I believe the most good can be accomplished on behalf of Floridians. The people of Miami-Dade deserve to have high quality public schools for their children, good-paying jobs that provide economic security for working families, and access to quality, affordable healthcare. I look forward to continuing my steadfast advocacy on behalf of Florida families in the State Senate.”

Daisy Baez is a healthcare executive who currently serves in the Florida State House in District 114. 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 2014 Woman of Impact and 2015 Hispanic Woman of Distinction. She is a single mother to her daughter, Nicole.