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Kevin Marino Cabrera
American politician (born 1990) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Kevin Marino Cabrera (born September 3, 1990) is an American politician from Florida who has served as the United States ambassador to Panama since 2025. He previously served as the commissioner of Miami-Dade County, Florida for District 6, from 2022 to 2025. He won the general election with 62% of the vote, beginning his term on November 22, 2022.[1] During the election, Cabrera received the endorsement of Donald Trump.
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Early life and education
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, graduating cum laude. Cabrera is also an Honors graduate from Miami-Dade College, where he received an associate degree in Public Administration.
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Political career
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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.
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.[2]
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 to the member of the United States House of Representatives.[2]
Miami-Dade County Commissioner
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.[3]
In November 2024, Cabrera sponsored a successful initiative to rename a four-mile stretch of road in Hialeah as "President Donald J. Trump Avenue".[3]
Cabrera serves as the Chairman of the Airport Committee, as well as the Vice Chair of both the International Trade Consortium and the Government Efficiency and Transparency Ad Hoc Committee. Additionally, he serves on the following committees: Infrastructure, Innovation and Technology Committee, Biscayne Bay Commission, and the Miami-Dade Biscayne Bay Watershed Management Advisory Board.[2]
Republican State Committeeman
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
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
Commissioner 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.
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Projects on the County Commission
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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
On July 23, 2024, Commissioner Cabrera introduced a resolution directing Miami-Dade County's administration to inspect and upgrade critical infrastructure systems at Miami International Airport, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and IT components, to ensure the reliability of the county’s largest economic engine.[4]
He has pushed for the expansion of MIA through a $9 billion dollar investment that includes new terminals and garages to accommodate increased traffic through the airport. The Central Concourse is set to be redeveloped alongside the expansion of Concourse D and the building of the brand new Flamingo Garage and Concourse K.[5]
Golden Passport Program & Transit Expansion
Commissioner Kevin M. Cabrera launched an initiative to expand access to the Golden Passport Program, improve traffic flow by synchronizing traffic lights, protect the Ludlam Trail, and promote seamless connectivity between Miami-Dade Transit, municipal trolleys, and rideshare services.[6]
Ludlam Trail
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.
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]
Traffic Management
Commissioner Cabrera pushed to modernize the county’s Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and enhance public safety. These advancements would replace software within traffic signals with newer equipment and provide for synchronized lights. [7]
Services for the Elderly
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.
Biscayne Bay
He led conservation initiatives aimed at improving water quality, reducing pollution, and protecting marine life in Biscayne Bay. Additionally, he implemented measures to curb reckless boating speeds, ensuring the safety of marine wildlife and water recreation. [8]
Protecting Consumers
Commissioner Cabrera championed consumer protection measures to safeguard residents from predatory lending and unexpected energy service interruptions. As part of his commitment to sustainable and affordable energy solutions, he partnered with the Latin Builders Association (LBA) and Ygrene to expand access to Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) grants, enabling seniors to adopt green energy upgrades in their homes.
Permit Expediting
He worked to streamline the permitting process, reducing delays for homeowners, businesses, and developers. By improving efficiency and cutting bureaucratic red tape, his efforts fostered economic growth and encouraged new development within the community.
First Time Homebuyers
He supported initiatives to support first-time homebuyers by providing down payment assistance and hosting financial literacy informational sessions. These efforts aimed to make homeownership more accessible, empowering residents with the knowledge and resources needed to achieve financial stability.
Reducing Speed Limits in Residential Neighborhoods & Parks
Commissioner Cabrera championed a resolution to enhance public safety by reducing the speed limit to 25 mph on all County-maintained residential roads and roads adjacent to parks and recreational centers. The initiative aims to improve pedestrian safety and establish a consistent speed limit, addressing discrepancies where limits vary within a single block.[9]
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.
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U.S. ambassador to Panama
On December 25, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced Cabrera as his choice for U.S. Ambassador to Panama.[3][10][11] On February 12, 2025, his nomination was sent to the Senate.[12] His nomination was confirmed by the Senate on April 9, 2025.[13] He presented his credentials to President José Raúl Mulino on May 5, 2025.[14]
Notes
References
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