MIAMI (WSVN) - Miami’s Mayor Francis Suarez officially declared his candidacy for the 2024 presidential election last week and has since been actively promoting his platform, focusing on key issues that he believes make him a suitable candidate for the highest office in the land.
In an interview with 7News Monday afternoon, the 45-year-old discussed his vision for the country and outlined his primary concerns, which include the national deficit, immigration, and the United States’ relationship with China. He emphasized his ability to bridge political divides and foster bipartisan collaboration as a potential leader.
“I would be a Hispanic, Republican president and I think that would put me in a unique position to solve some of the wedge issues that we see as back and forth because of the partisan world that we live in,” Suarez said. “What makes me qualified is I have a unique set of skills and a unique vision for this country.”
The Miami mayor also said he is equipped to tackle immigration, the deficit and the rising tide of China.
“We’ve got to create a competitive United States of America that leads to competition, understands the dynamism of how our economy is changing from an increasingly industrial economy to and increasingly digital economy,” said Suarez. “I’ve done that and I’m the only one that has demonstrated the ability to do that and we need to do that for our children.”
Suarez also touched upon ongoing scrutiny he is facing regarding payments he received in his capacity outside of Miami City Hall. When asked if he believed he did anything wrong in receiving those payments, he replied “I didn’t.”
The FBI has initiated an investigation into these payments. However, Suarez vehemently denied any wrongdoing, stating that he has followed the law and is confident that the investigation will ultimately vindicate him.
Further details regarding the investigation will come to light at 6 p.m.
“I’ve never used my public position to benefit a private party and I’m confident that will come out,” said Suarez.
The mayor’s main focus is preparing for his first presidential debate, which means he will have to gain monetary support to be a contender.
“Every time I talk to voters, what they say is, ‘We love your story, but we wanna know more,’ and the only way for them to know more is to hear more and the only way for them to hear more is to be on that stage.
The first Republican presidential debate is set for Aug. 23.
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