TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Florida State Rep. Berny Jacques warned Tuesday that he believes Democrats are attempting to “import the third world” to dilute American votes, while touting a key endorsement from U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna and praising state leadership under Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Appearing on Florida’s Voice Radio, the Pinellas County Republican argued that open border policies are designed to alter the nation’s electorate and expand left-wing political power.
“Florida has led the nation,” Jacques said. “We have been the tip of the spear when it comes to immigration enforcement.”
Jacques credited state measures—such as banning sanctuary cities and expanding local partnership agreements with federal immigration authorities—for maintaining law and order. He argued that voters across the state want to preserve Florida’s momentum under conservative governance.
“So the nation, the world, I would say, knows us as a place where folks can have freedom and opportunity,” Jacques said. “And they recognize that it’s Republican leadership. My voters recognize that.”
Jacques added that his constituents actively urge lawmakers to “maintain what you all have done with Governor DeSantis” to keep the state on a positive trajectory.
Jacques also highlighted his close alignment with Luna, announcing that the congresswoman had endorsed his re-election campaign.
Jacques praised Luna as a “true fighter” in Washington who understands how to navigate congressional rules to advance conservative legislation, noting that the two lawmakers have maintained a strong working relationship since both taking office in 2022.