Pro-Crypto Miami Mayor Announces Republican Presidential Bid

Miami mayor Francis Suarez has launched a surprising Republican presidential bid with a focus on unifying the party and addressing climate change

By Shashank Bhardwaj

Published: Jun 16, 2023 10:50:25 AM IST

Updated: Jun 16, 2023 11:00:03 AM IST

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Miami Mayor Francis Suarez during a press conference in Miami Beach, Florida; Photo by Ivan Apfel/WireImage via Getty Images

Miami Mayor Francis Suarez, celebrated for his role as a unifying force, has embarked on a challenging endeavour by announcing his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. Building on his impressive track record of attracting tech enterprises to Florida, curbing crime rates, and securing the Hispanic vote, Suarez asserts that he can guide the party towards a positive trajectory while appealing to moderates through his focus on addressing climate change.

Notably, he became the first Hispanic candidate to enter the Republican primary in this election cycle.

One of Suarez's prominent achievements has been attracting technology investors to Miami. Notably, he held meetings with industry leaders such as PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel and actively courted the attention of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

Additionally, his endorsement of cryptocurrencies positions Miami as a potential hub for digital currency, with Suarez envisioning the city as a prototype for the rest of the nation.

In his bid for the Republican nomination, Suarez will encounter formidable competition from two prominent Florida Republicans: former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, who enjoy greater name recognition.

Matthew Isbell, a Florida-based elections consultant, believes that Suarez's reluctance to engage in culture war topics could potentially hinder his prospects in the Republican primary. Isbell expressed concerns: "Suarez's stance on climate change may not resonate well in a primary. While it may find appeal in a general election, it becomes irrelevant if he fails to advance beyond the primary."

Suarez advocates for a "positive" vision for the future in the next presidency, emphasising the need to move beyond the current climate of negativity and divisiveness prevalent among existing candidates. Although he did not vote for Trump in the 2020 election, Suarez refrains from overtly criticising the GOP frontrunner, instead positioning himself as an alternative with a distinct style.

Shashank is the founder of yMedia. He ventured into crypto in 2013 and is an ETH maximalist. Twitter: @bhardwajshash