Daisy Baez

Baez was born in the Dominican Republic and raised there by her grandmother after her parents divorced and her mother moved to New York City to support her family. Baez immigrated to the United States at the age of 17. She joined the U.S. Army in 1980, and served for three years as a Preventive Medicine Specialist in the 1st Cavalry Division Surgeon's Office in Fort Hood, Texas. After an honorable discharge, Baez received a bachelor's degree in social work at American Technological University, and later a master's degree in education counseling from Sam Houston State University. Baez has one daughter, whom she raised as a single parent. == Florida House of Representatives ==

In 2014, Baez ran for the Florida House of Representatives in the 114th district, based around Coral Gables, South Miami, Cutler Bay, and western Miami. She was defeated in the general election by the incumbent, Republican Erik Fresen, 52.7 to 44.0%. Two years later, when Fresen was term-limited, Baez ran again for the 114th district. Her campaign focused on supporting affordable healthcare, equal pay, and public education, including the Bright Futures Scholarship Program. She was elected in the 2016 general election, defeating Republican John Couriel, 51 to 49%. ==References==