Republican Ileana Garcia Victorious Over Democrat Raquel Pacheco in State Senate Race

MIAMI-DADE (FLV) – Republican State Sen. Ileana Garcia won re-election in a newly redrawn district against Democrat Raquel Pacheco. 

Senate District 36 encompasses parts of Miami, Coral Gables, and Miami Beach.

Garcia was elected to the State Senate in 2020. She was the first Hispanic female Deputy Press Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security and worked for radio and television outlets as a reporter and program director in the Miami market. Garcia is the daughter of Cuban exiles and was born in Miami. 

One of the main accomplishments Garcia promotes is her support for the “No Patient Left Alone Act,” which ensured Floridafamilies the right to visit their loved ones receiving care in medical facilities. She also promotes backing the Parental Rights in Education Act, improving water quality, and opposing efforts to raise taxes. 

Pacheco is a 25-year small business owner who joined the Cnnecticut Army National Guard at age 19. She also served as the chair of the City of Miami Beach’s Personnel Board and the President of Miami Beach United. 

Pacheco supports abortions and wants to reverse the 15-week abortion ban Florida lawmakers passed. Other top issues for her include tackling property insurance rates and affordable housing. 

Florida state Senate Democrats launched a “Florida Freedom Tour,” making campaign stops for Democrats including Pacheco. Some of their top issues included abortion access, fighting against laws such as the Parental Rights in Education Act and confronting climate change. In response, Senate Republicans dubbed the bus tour the “B.S. Express” and labeled their campaign as supporting abortion without limits, boys in girls sports, and tax funded sex changes for minors. 

Florida’s Voice Editor-in-Chief Brendon Leslie exposed Pacheco for misleading Cuban Americans about her nationality in a campaign ad.