Luis Viera Launches Campaign for State House with Packed Kickoff Event

TAMPA — City Councilmember Luis Viera officially launched his campaign for Florida House District 67 on Thursday evening with a well-attended kickoff event at the Columbia Centennial Museum in Ybor City.

The campaign fundraiser was hosted by Richard Gonzmart of the Columbia Restaurant Group and featured a packed house of elected officials, civic leaders, and community advocates. The event marked the beginning of Viera’s campaign to succeed Rep. Fentrice Driskell, who is term-limited.

Among the more than 100 listed hosts backing Viera are Tampa Mayor Jane Castor, former St. Petersburg Mayor Rick Kriseman, Hillsborough County Commissioners Harry Cohen and Gwen Myers, and several current and former state legislators. Their presence signaled strong institutional support for Viera’s candidacy.

Born and raised in the North Tampa and Temple Terrace area, Viera is a graduate of the University of South Florida and Stetson College of Law. He currently chairs the Tampa City Council's Public Safety Committee and serves as chairman of the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority (HART). His legislative priorities have included transportation, public safety, and services for people with disabilities.

Viera also brings a strong civic and legal background to the race. A longtime attorney and Florida Bar-certified mediator, he is the founder and former president of the Lawyers Autism Awareness Foundation and has served on the boards of multiple disability advocacy organizations, including Tampa Bay Best Buddies.

Thursday’s event comes on the heels of Viera’s only primary opponent, Will Atkins, suspending his campaign and throwing his support behind Viera. No Republican candidate has filed for this seat so far. However, an emboldened Republican Party of Florida is likely to contest the race as they seek to assert control over state government.

District 67 includes North Tampa, the university area, and much of Northern Hillsborough County.