Following the major announcement that Florida State Senator and Miami Springs resident Bryan Avila has resigned to run as Byron Donalds’ Lieutenant Governor running mate on the Republican gubernatorial ticket, the race for Florida Senate District 39 is officially off to the races. Ready to continue his service and pick up the legislative mantle in the upper chamber, current Florida House Representative Alex Rizo (R-District 112) has officially announced his candidacy for the open Senate seat.
Representative Rizo, who was first elected to the Florida House in 2020 and represents Miami Springs, Hialeah, Miami Lakes, and Virginia Gardens, was set to run unopposed for his House District 112 seat this November. Now, he is transitioning his campaign to the Senate, looking to continue advocating for the residents of Miami-Dade County in Tallahassee.
Representative Alex Rizo (left) and Senator Bryan Avila (right) have worked hand-in-hand to secure historic funding packages for Miami Springs and Virginia Gardens.
A Proven Track Record of Results for Miami Springs
Representative Rizo has been a powerhouse advocate for our municipal enclave. Working closely with outgoing Senator Avila, Rizo has consistently championed the needs of our local community in the state capitol. Most recently, on July 16, 2026, Rizo and Avila successfully secured a historic $2.65 Million in state appropriations directly for Miami Springs, which includes:
- $1,500,000 for roadway and drainage infrastructure upgrades along Oakwood Drive.
- $800,000 for roadway and safety improvements along Westward Drive.
- $350,000 to fund the crucial senior meals program at the Miami Springs Senior Center, ensuring our vulnerable and low-income elderly residents have access to hot, nutritious meals.
Rizo also collaborated on securing an additional $1.55 Million in state appropriations for our neighboring Village of Virginia Gardens in July 2026, delivering major upgrades to aging water mains ($1.2 million) and public safety infrastructure ($350,000).
Florida House Representative Alex Rizo has served our community in the state legislature since 2020. Source: MiamiSprings.com Library
Education & Seniors: Core Priorities
Leveraging his extensive professional background as a former public school educator and administrator, Representative Rizo has been a vital leader on education policy in the House, serving as the Chair of the Student Academic Success Subcommittee. His work to bolster student performance and support public institutions has earned him widespread acclaim, including the 2024 Legislator of the Year Award from the Florida School Boards Association.
In addition to his education leadership, Rizo has been a tireless champion for senior citizens and caregivers. In May 2026, he was honored with the prestigious 31st Annual Claude Pepper Public Service Award in recognition of his legislative efforts to support South Florida’s elderly population, a commitment clearly demonstrated by his work funding the Miami Springs Senior Center meals program.
A Formidable Conservative Leader
Beyond his legislative successes, Representative Rizo is well known as a highly strategic political leader in Miami-Dade County. Serving as the Chair of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County from 2022 to 2024, Rizo presided over the historic county-wide sweeps in November 2024, which saw Republican candidates secure all five of the county’s constitutional offices and helped Donald Trump carry Miami-Dade County for the first time in 36 years.
With Rizo transitioning his campaign to the Florida Senate, the announcement assuredly sparks strong local interest and campaign momentum. Given his deep municipal ties, extensive list of local funding victories, and proven leadership in Tallahassee, Rizo is positioned as a formidable and logical contender to succeed Senator Avila in District 39.
The campaign is off to a fast start. What’s unclear is when will residents get to vote. The primary election in August just passed. The Governor could call for a special election or possibly include this district in the fall general election.
Political Dominos
Avila is running for Lt. Governor so he has to vacate his seat in the Senate.
Rizo is running for Senate so he has to vacate his seat in the Florida House.
That leaves the question, who’s going to run for Alex Rizo’s seat?
Stay tuned to MiamiSprings.com as we continue to follow the campaign trail and bring you the latest developments!
What do you think? Should Representative Alex Rizo represent our community in the Florida Senate, or do you have other expectations for District 39?
