Francis X. Suarez, the two-term mayor of Miami and famous advocate for Bitcoin and blockchain know-how, has formally filed paperwork to run for the U.S. presidency in 2024. He will likely be operating as a Republican candidate, in accordance with paperwork launched by the U.S. Federal Election Fee on June 14.
Affectionately dubbed the “Bitcoin Mayor,” Suarez’s entry into the presidential race highlights the growing political relevance of cryptocurrency in American politics. Suarez, a Cuban American and a former president of the bipartisan U.S. Convention of Mayors, will seemingly be the only real Latino GOP candidate and is undoubtedly charting a path towards the White Home that leans closely on his popularity as a tech-forward chief.
A deal with crypto
Lately, Suarez has actively advocated for Miami to develop into a worldwide hub for cryptocurrency and blockchain know-how. He has personally invested in Bitcoin, gave the welcome speech for nft now’s The Gateway 2022 occasion in downtown Miami, and has even gone as far as to simply accept his governmental wage within the digital asset.
Suarez’s curiosity in crypto extends to coverage initiatives, too, with him exploring alternatives to simply accept taxes and pay municipal staff through digital forex. Towards the tip of 2021, he introduced “MiamiCoin,” a program that allowed Miami residents to buy crypto by means of a digital pockets and obtain a Bitcoin dividend.
Notably, his dedication to supporting cryptocurrency aligns him with different presidential hopefuls like, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, who all additionally search to enchantment to the Bitcoin vote. Suarez will likely be vying for the Republican nomination alongside high-profile candidates, together with DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.
Suarez’s presidential bid announcement
In a video launched alongside his announcement to run, Suarez declared, “My dad taught me that you get to choose your battles, and I am choosing the biggest one of my life. I’m going to run for president. I’m going to run for your children and mine.”
Regardless of its late entry, his marketing campaign has already begun to generate important buzz. Suarez is scheduled to talk on the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, on June 15, the place he’s anticipated to delve deeper into his presidential plans.
My Dad taught me that you simply get to decide on your battles, and I’m selecting the largest considered one of my life.
I am operating for President.
Be a part of me at https://t.co/Wf7fVZACkl and for simply $1, assist safe me a spot on the controversy stage ➡️ https://t.co/MgO1RIl3jp#FXS24 pic.twitter.com/ZhKa0bQYll
— Mayor Francis Suarez (@FrancisSuarez) June 15, 2023
Whereas Suarez’s pro-tech and pro-crypto stance differentiates him within the packed Republican area, he nonetheless faces the problem of constructing nationwide title recognition and assembly the strict polling and donor thresholds to qualify for the primary Republican main debate in August.
As the primary main Hispanic candidate to enter the Republican race, Suarez’s marketing campaign may resonate with Florida’s growing Hispanic voter base. Suarez has beforehand opined that the GOP success in Miami “can be replicated nationally if Republicans, and all elected officials, learn the lessons we learned about building an inclusive conservative majority in Miami.”
Whether or not his tech-forward insurance policies and revolutionary approaches to governance will win over nationwide voters stays to be seen. Nonetheless, his marketing campaign announcement certainly underscores the current controversial regulatory actions carried out by the U.S. Securities and Change Fee and the way cryptocurrency has advanced from a distinct segment curiosity right into a respectable political platform.
Editor’s notice: This text was written by an nft now employees member in collaboration with OpenAI’s GPT-4.
