Al Cardenas
Senior Partner
Miami Connection
Based in Miami, Cardenas has profoundly shaped South Florida's political landscape as the first Hispanic chairman of the Florida Republican Party, strengthening conservative influence in this key swing state. His law firm, now part of Squire Patton Boggs with a major Miami presence, drives legal expertise in real estate, government affairs, and Latin American business critical to the region's economy. As a Cuban exile leader, he mentors young Hispanics in Miami-Dade, advocating for conservative values and immigrant success stories that resonate in the Cuban-American community.
About
Born Alberto Remigio Cárdenas y Pardo on January 3, 1948, in Havana, Cuba, he immigrated to the United States at age 12 in 1960, escaping political turmoil. He earned a law degree from Seton Hall University and built a distinguished career blending law, politics, and public advocacy. Early involvement included the 1976 presidential campaign, a 1978 congressional run, and key roles in Ronald Reagan's 1980 campaign, leading to his appointment heading the U.S. Department of Commerce transition and as the first U.S. ambassador to St. Kitts and Nevis in 1983. He served three terms as vice-chairman and two as chairman of the Republican Party of Florida, the first Hispanic to lead a major state party, and represented Florida as a delegate at every Republican National Convention from 1976 to 2008. Cardenas founded a successful law firm specializing in real estate and government law that grew to 65 lawyers before merging into Squire Patton Boggs, where he is a senior partner overseeing Latin America practices. Named one of Washington D.C.'s top lobbyists by The Hill, he has also chaired the American Conservative Union and served on boards like Florida A&M University and the Federal National Mortgage Association.