Diaz de La Portilla Brothers Set Their Sights On State Legislature

By Francisco Alvarado Thu., Jun. 14 2012 at 9:35 AM

Miguel, Alex, and Renier Diaz de la Portilla

Tallahassee, be very afraid. If all goes according to their plan, not one, not two, but all three Diaz de la Portilla brothers will be members of the state Legislature come November. They're already one-third of the way there. Miguel Diaz de la Portilla did not draw a challenger for his state Senate seat. However, his siblings Alex and Renier will face some stiff opponents for two state House seats. If the trio get elected, the Diaz de la Portillas will once again be the most powerful Cuban American oligarchy next to the Diaz-Balart clan.

As the Diaz de la Portillas gear up for their campaigns, we took a peek at their financials to find out which bro is banking the most money.

Miguel, who was recently named Best Lobbyist by Miami New Times, is killing it as a governmental affairs lawyer for Becker & Poliakoff. His annual salary at the Fort Lauderdale-based law firm is $415,890, according to his personal financial disclosure statement. He also collected a $29,697 salary as a state senator. He owns a three-bedroom house in Coral Gables worth $830,000 and has a BMW X3, BMW X5, and a Mini Cooper (all 2009 models) in his driveway. In addition to his car leases, his liabilities also include a $473,834 home mortgage. His personal net worth is $660,040.

Alex, who has served previous stints as state senator and state representative, is vying for a house seat representing district 112 against Gus Barreiro and Eric Padron. He made $60,000 from his campaign consulting firm W Strategy Group last year, according to his personal financial disclosure statement. He owns a five-bedroom duplex in Miami worth $150,000 and a house in Tallahassee worth $750,000. His liabilities include two mortgages for a little over one million dollars. His personal net worth is $95,056.

Renier, who is facing off against Miami school teacher Manny Diaz in district 103, made $10,000 from his private law practice and $35,601 from the Miami-Dade School Board last year, according to his personal financial disclosure statement. He doesn't own any property and lists only a checking account with $1,500 as his only asset. His liabilities include a $125,000 student loan and a $20,000 car lease. His personal net worth is $35,350.

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Tags:

Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Miguel Diaz de la Portilla, Renier Diaz de la Portilla

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Imelda

The ultimate measure of success lies in what we do and this is not a result of just finances. Facts are not the same as Truth.

Francisco Alvarado

If their finances were not important then the state would not require them to publicly disclose them if they want to run for office.

Imelda

Dear Mr. Francisco Alvarado, I hope this letter finds you well. Through this way I would like to let you know that I read your recent article about The Diaz de la Portilla Brothers http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/06/diaz_de_la_portilla_brothers_s.php The article has a good start, however, the content in general is not good quality because it doesn't convey an accurate message. Through this way I would like to suggest that next time you focus on what they have done in the community as a measure of their magnitude as candidates. Personal finances is not a valid factor to go by, it does not translate into actions or potential for service. Thank you for listening. Respectfully, Imelda

Imelda

I don't like the content of this article. Next time, instead of focusing on finite meaningless issues like money and personal finances, it would be best to mention their accomplishments and the impact they have made in the community through their service. The reason they are candidates is because of what they have done and what they are planning to do for others.