Rick Scott releases second ad targeting Hispanics as part of multi-million dollar campaign
TAMPA, Fla. – Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott broadcasted his second ad targeting Hispanic voters on television, radio, streaming, and digital platforms in Spanish and English over the next few weeks.
“In Florida, we understand how socialism suffocates the human spirit,” Scott said. “That’s why I fight against the socialist agenda in Washington. Socialism will kill the freedoms that create opportunity and erase the values that bind us together.”
Titled “Libertad,” Spanish for “freedom,” the 30 second spot describes now-Florida families falling victim to communism in other countries.
Miami is home to many Hispanic ethnicities, including transplanted Cuban Americans who fled from Cuba primarily after the 1959 Cuban Revolution and subsequent rise of Fidel Castro.
From 1959-1962, 248,000 Cubans migrated to the U.S., including half to the shores of Miami. Florida has since represented 64% of America’s Cuban population, far outpacing Texas, California, New Jersey and New York.
Overall, Miami-Dade County is an estimated 69% percent Hispanic. Its makeup includes Venezuelans who have fled from the regime of Nicolas Maduro, along with many Colombians, Guatemalans and Nicaraguans.
“America represents what is good and possible. You and I have a responsibility to protect that,” Scott added.
Earlier this month, Scott launched a similar ad targeting Hispanics in Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa and Orlando. The pitches come as Scott prepares for Senate reelection against likely Democratic challenger Debbie Murcarsel-Powell.
“While Joe Biden, the democrats and Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell continue to embrace socialism and turn a blind eye to dangerous dictators in our hemisphere, Senator Scott has been clear that socialism has no place in America, which represents what is good and possible,” the campaign said in a statement.
Scott has picked up many endorsements from the Hispanic community, including from the Latin Builders Association, the Hispanic Police Officers Association, and numerous faith-based and business leaders in the Cuban, Colombian and Venezuelan communities.
In 2022, Miami-Dade County shifted Republican for Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Overall, DeSantis reportedly carried the Hispanic vote in Florida by double digits. He also ultimately won reelection over Democratic candidate Charlie Crist by over 19 points.
With some possible headwind, Scott is forecasted to to win reelection in November, holding a “likely R” rating. Like Jeb Bush, Scott also speaks fluent Spanish, as portrayed in the ad.
In 2018, Scott narrowly defeated Democratic incumbent Bill Nelson in his initial Senate bid after serving as Florida’s Governor from 2011-2019. Although, he will look to flip the switch in Miami-Dade County after losing to Nelson by over 21 points.
“He continues to fight every day against the democrats’ radical socialist agenda so every American, regardless of their background, can have the chance at the dream of this county,” the campaign added.
