Former Google executive Hector Mujica, who had been preparing a bid for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Marco Rubio, has shifted his focus to a different contest: he has dropped out of the Senate race and declared his candidacy for Florida’s 28th Congressional District.
Mujica, a Venezuelan American, joined CBS News’s The Takeout to explain the move and outline his priorities. He said the 28th district offers a clearer path to victory and a better opportunity to deliver results for residents. The district, he noted, is roughly three-quarters Hispanic and largely working-class, with voters focused on jobs, cost of living, safety and opportunity. Campaign polling he cited showed the race within the margin of error, which Mujica said signals frustration and openness to change among constituents.
On domestic policy, Mujica emphasized economic proposals aimed at easing cost pressures on middle-class families. He has proposed eliminating federal income taxes for households earning under $150,000 a year — a move he frames as addressing real strains on families facing rising housing and living costs. Mujica said his campaign centers on three themes: lowering costs, expanding opportunity, and restoring trust in government. He described his economic vision as “an economy with strong floors and no ceilings,” so families can rely on basics while still having paths to get ahead.
Mujica also addressed accountability and ethics in public office. Asked about the resignation of Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, he called stepping down the proper response when credible allegations of misuse of public funds surface, saying accountability matters to constituents and the institution.
On foreign policy, Mujica spoke from personal experience about Venezuela. He said the removal or capture of Nicolás Maduro made the hemisphere safer, but warned that removing an authoritarian leader is not enough if the underlying networks of corruption and paramilitary influence remain. He argued the U.S. and allies must keep pressure on Venezuelan leadership and push for a genuine democratic transition, noting concerns about leftover officials and criminal elements that sustained the prior regime. Mujica also compared Venezuela and Cuba, calling both authoritarian failures and emphasizing the need for a smart, sustained push toward democratic outcomes.
Mujica presents himself as a candidate focused on practical solutions for working families in South Florida and on restoring trust in government at a time of local and international political turbulence.