Former Florida GOP Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart, the brother of current Florida GOP Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart, died at the age of 70, his family announced Monday.

The former lawmaker, who represented Florida's 21st district from 1993 to 2011, was the main orchestrator of Congress enshrining the long-standing U.S. embargo against Cuba, per The Hill. He was also co-chair emeritus of the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute.

Mario Díaz-Balart praised his brother's legacy in a statement on X, highlighting his brother's career as a "defender of the silent and oppressed.” 

“Lincoln’s profound love for the United States and his relentless commitment to the cause of a free Cuba guided him throughout his life and his 24 years in elected public service, including 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives,” the family said in a statement. “We will miss him infinitely.”

The family said a public Mass will be held for Lincoln Diaz-Balart at a later date. Diaz-Balart's cause of death is not clear.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Christina, his son Daniel, three brothers, and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first son, Lincoln Gabriel Diaz-Balart.  

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.