PoliticalNXT, Rho Kappa, Model UN, and Law Society hosted Democratic Congressional Candidate Robin Peguero for a Q&A session. Students discussed contemporary political issues ranging from the Epstein files to local politics, with Peguero sharing his opinion on these topics and how he plans on addressing them if elected for Florida’s District 27 Congress.
Peguero, a Harvard Law graduate, law professor, and prosecuting attorney for the January 6th Investigation Committee, spoke to students about his humble beginnings as a student. As the son of Dominican and Ecuadorian immigrants in Hialeah, he saw firsthand the journey of immigrants in America searching for a better life, as both of his parents enlisted in the U.S. Army.
As one of the prosecuting attorneys for the Jan. 6 trials, Peguero helped deliver on the U.S. Constitution’s promises of the rule of law, the security of all Americans, and freedom from political violence. So, when the criminals he helped expose were pardoned by President Donald Trump, he knew his work as a public servant was not finished, and he decided he needed to run for Congress to see real change happen.
Peguero’s campaign for Florida’s District 27 Congress addresses many contemporary political issues, ranging from immigration to reproductive freedom, education, healthcare, among others. As a Democrat, he wants to occupy one of Florida’s three swing chairs in the House, since Miami and two other counties are blue-leaning in regards to the House. He also spoke about his strong feelings towards Trump and Miami’s current Representative, Maria Elvira Salazar.
“In the next two years, yes, we [Democrats] need to implement our own policies, but we need to stop some of the worst impulses of this president [Trump] and the people who are enabling him,” Peguero said.
Peguero discussed how important it is to have a connection to young voices—the future of politics. He also vowed that he hears and acknowledges issues that young people advocate for.
“You guys care about the same issues that progressives care about: the environment, the economy, human dignity, respect,” Peguero said. What we have to do is reach you because I’m confident that we have the right policy, and we need to have the right message.”
He also suggested students follow him on social media to communicate with him on concerns about his campaign or local issues, because he wants to learn and get feedback in order to have the best campaign possible.
When asked how he ensures that young people’s voices have a legitimate influence in his campaign, and, if elected, how they would influence his policy, Peguero further affirmed the importance of speaking up, being informed, and being a part of the community to advocate for such issues.
“I want to keep the lines of communication with young folks open not only through the campaign, but [also] when I am in office,” Peguero said. “A big problem with politicians is that they are only around and only care for your input when they need it [during the campaign], and for the next two years when they’re in DC, they forget about the people they’re there to represent.”
Club Presidents Jaden Lee and Victoria Tarrazzi planned the event after Lee met Peguero at a Town Hall made for politicians to network with community members.
“I think it was a very good first major event to start our school year; all of the club members were paying attention the whole time, and I am very proud of all of those who showed up, and very thankful for Robin [Peguero] for coming to this event,” junior Jaden Lee said.
Dr. Daniel, the club’s sponsor was also in attendance and believes that it was a great opportunity for students to get informed and hear about local politics.
“I think that most students and their parents have no idea who their representatives are and they have no knowledge of their members of Congress, and they should at least be knowledgeable and know who represents them,” Dr. Daniel said. “In today’s world especially and living in South Florida, where immigration is a big topic, it is relevant, as he is also an immigrant, and I think that he [Peguero] can connect with the students on a wide variety of topics.”
