Jose N. Vazquez Figueroa is a Puerto Rican-born community leader, activist, and political figure, born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico. His early career began in public service, holding several trusted positions between 1991 and 1999 under the leadership of the New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico.

In December 5, 1999, Jose traveled to Tampa, Florida, to visit his father, a U.S. Marine veteran. Following the passing of his father due to cancer, Jose was forced to remain in Hillsborough County, where he would later dedicate his life to civic advocacy and public service.

After experiencing challenges as a Latino immigrant—including being misidentified in a misdemeanor traffic investigation—Jose became more politically active. In 2003, he launched his first campaign for State Representative and has since run for various elected positions, including Tampa Mayor and Tampa City Council. His campaigns have centered on increasing representation and voter turnout among minority communities and advocating for civil rights restoration.

Jose is a founding member and the current President of the Hillsborough County Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida. He also serves in multiple other Democratic organizations, holding leadership roles that reflect his ongoing commitment to equity, civic participation, and inclusion.

In recent years, Jose served as Hispanic Liaison to Florida State Representative Susan Valdés (District 64), further amplifying Hispanic voices in state-level decision-making.

A resident of Tampa’s District 5 since 2009, Jose is also a small business owner, private security officer, and an active first responder. He is the eldest of eight siblings, a father of six adult children, and a proud grandfather. His life and work continue to serve as an example of perseverance, civic duty, and community leadership.

Timeline: Key Dates & Achievements

• 1991–1999: Held multiple trust-based political positions in Puerto Rico under the New Progressive Party.

• December 5, 1999: Visited Tampa, Florida, to care for his father.

• Early 2000: Force to stay in Hillsborough County after his father’s passing.

• 2003: Entered politics in Florida; first ran for State Representative.

• 2003–present: Candidate for various offices including:

  • State Representative

  • Tampa Mayor

  • Tampa City Council

• 2009: Became a resident of Tampa District 5.

• Founded : Hillsborough County Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida.

• Current roles:

  • President, Hillsborough County Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida

  • Board Member, Caribbean Democratic Caucus of Florida

  • Sergeant at Arms, Hillsborough County Democratic Hispanic Caucus

  • Elected Precinct Committeeman, Precinct 307

• 2022: Elected as the first Sergeant at Arms, Hillsborough County Democratic Party.

• 2023:

  • Re-elected as Sergeant at Arms without opposition.

  • Elected 2nd Vice President, Democratic Hispanic Caucus of Florida.

• October 2023 – April 2024: Served as Hispanic Liaison for State Representative Susan Valdés (District 64).