Kevin Marino Cabrera
 | This article may incorporate text from a large language model. (December 2024) |
Kevin Marino Cabrera | |
|---|---|
| United States Ambassador to Panama Presumptive nominee | |
| Assuming office TBD[a] | |
| President | Donald Trump (elect) |
| Succeeding | Mari Carmen Aponte |
| Member of the Miami-Dade County Commission from the 6th district | |
| Assumed office December 7, 2022 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1990 (age 34–35) |
Kevin Marino Cabrera (born September 3, 1990) is an American politician from Florida and the current commissioner of Miami-Dade County, Florida for District 6, a position he has held since 2022. After winning a primary election, he won the general election with 62% of the vote. During the election, Cabrera received the endorsement of Donald J. Trump. In December 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Cabrera as the United States ambassador to Panama.[1][2][3][4]
Political career
[edit]Prior to serving as an elected official, Commissioner Cabrera worked as Florida State Director for Donald J. Trump for President and the Republican National Committee, where he oversaw the campaign’s effort to win Florida’s 29 electoral votes. He appeared several times on CSPAN discussing the Trump campaign.
In 2015, Cabrera was appointed councilman for West Kendall’s Community Council, a local land use and zoning board in Miami-Dade County. He was subsequently elected to a full term unopposed in 2016.[4] Prior to serving as a county commissioner, Cabrera led the Republican National Committee and President Donald J. Trump’s 2020 re-election campaign in Florida as State Director.[3] He has also worked as the South Florida field director for the LIBRE Initiative, a Latino conservative advocacy nonprofit.
Cabrera began his political career as a field director for Carlos Curbelo’s 2014 congressional campaign. After Curbelo won office, Cabrera served as the director of constituent services the member of the United States House of Representatives.[4]
Miami-Dade County Commissioner
[edit]Cabrera was elected as the Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 6 in 2022. Representing parts of Miami, Hialeah, Coral Gables, Miami Springs, Virginia Gardens, West Miami, and unincorporated neighborhoods, he won the seat with the endorsement of Donald Trump, defeating former Coral Gables Commissioner Jorge Fors.[1]
In November 2024, Cabrera sponsored a successful initiative to rename a four-mile stretch of road in Hialeah as "President Donald J. Trump Avenue".[1]
Cabrera serves as vice chair of the International Trade Consortium and the Community Safety, Security, and Emergency Management Committee. Additionally, he serves on the following committees: Airport and Economic Development Committee, Community Health Committee, Biscayne Bay Commission, and the Miami-Dade Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board.[4]
Republican State Committeeman
[edit]In November 2023, Cabrera was elected as a Republican State Committeeman for Miami-Dade County with over 70% of the vote. Pledging upon his election to "roll up my sleeves and work together strengthen our Republican Party, putting America, Florida, and Miami-Dade County first,” he said.
Bid for RPOF Vice Chair
[edit]In 2024, Cabrera announced his candidacy for Vice Chair of the Republican Party of Florida (RPOF). His campaign received endorsements from prominent figures, including former President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio.[21]
Platform Committee for the Republican National Committee
[edit]Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has served on the Republican National Committee (RNC) Platform Committee. In this role, Cabrera has been involved in drafting and revising the party's platform to reflect contemporary issues and the evolving priorities of the Republican electorate.
His work on the committee has focused on key areas such as economic policy, national security, healthcare, and education.
Projects on the County Commission
[edit]Since being elected in 2022 to the Miami-Dade County Commission, Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera has spearheaded several initiatives and legislation. Such efforts include:
Miami International Airport
[edit]Golden Passport Program & Transit Expansion
[edit]Ludlam Trail
[edit]Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera spearheaded a project to construct three new pedestrian bridges along the Ludlam Trail, aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and improving connectivity for both pedestrians and cyclists. The bridges will provide safe crossings over W. Flagler Street, SW Eighth Street, and Bird Road (SW 40th Street). Additionally, a private developer is constructing a bridge over Coral Way (SW 24th Street) to ensure a continuous trail along the corridor.
Commissioner Cabrera highlighted the significance of the project, noting that the elevated segments will allow users to travel safely and uninterrupted from Robert King High Park by Flagler Street past A.D. Barnes Park to South Miami High, his alma mater. He emphasized that these measures will significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities on some of the busiest roads while fulfilling the community's long-standing desire for a linear park.
The resolution mandates that the planning and design of these bridges commence within the current year to expedite their implementation. Miami-Dade County will collaborate with the Florida Department of Transportation to ensure the project's seamless execution, bringing these vital safety improvements to county residents.[27]
Services for the Elderly
[edit]Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera introduced legislation focused on improving services for older adults in Miami-Dade County. The resolution directs the County Mayor to conduct a thorough study to identify and address gaps in services provided to seniors.
It highlighted the need to improve various services, such as meal provision, recreational activities, adult day care, personal care assistance, healthcare services, home renovations, and transportation. The resolution mandates a report within 90 days detailing existing services, challenges, and recommended improvements.
Reducing Speed Limits in Residential Neighborhoods & Parks
[edit]The resolution mandates a comprehensive study to evaluate the feasibility and practicality of implementing these reduced speed limits in unincorporated areas of the County. The administration has 120 days to complete the study and recommend a thorough implementation plan to ensure safe and effective execution of this safety initiative.
Nomination as U.S. ambassador to Panama
[edit]On December 25, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced Cabrera as his choice for U.S. Ambassador to Panama. Cabrera’s nomination is subject to confirmation by the U.S. Senate.[1][2]
Early Life and Education
[edit]Kevin Marino Cabrera was born and raised in Miami, Florida. He is a first-generation Cuban American, which has significantly influenced his dedication to public service. Cabrera attended Florida International University, where he studied political science with a minor in International Relations at Florida International University, graduating cum laude. Commissioner Cabrera is also an Honors graduate from Miami-Dade College, where he received an Associate Degree in Public Administration.
Notes
[edit]- ^ Appointment after Senate confirmation for this position.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Cone, Allen (2024-12-26). "Who is Kevin Marino Cabrera? Trump picks Miami commissioner for ambassador to Panama - CBS Miami". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ a b Friedman, Lisa (December 25, 2024). "Trump Picks Kevin Marino Cabrera for Ambassador to Panama". New York Times.
- ^ a b "About Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera". www.miamidade.gov. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
- ^ a b c d "Who is Kevin Marino Cabrera? Trump nominates former Florida state director as US ambassador to Panama". The Times of India. 2024-12-26. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-12-26.