Avery Lopez

By Drew Wilson

There is a shortcut to the top in Florida’s political world, but it’s easier said than done: Win early, win big and keep winning.

Avery Lopez did just that, working on political campaigns in South Florida — ranging from the municipal level up to the presidential contest

— amid the region’s unprecedented shift from a Democratic bastion to a clear Republican lean.

In the 2022 election cycle alone, Lopez helped orchestrate a successful re-election campaign for Rep. Demi Busatta Cabrera. He also helped now-MiamiDade County Vice Chairman Anthony Rodriguez make the move from the state House and ushered in newly elected Miami-Dade County Commissioner Kevin Marino Cabrera. In politics, people who ride the bench don’t get a championship ring, and Lopez was a starter in each campaign. During the first act of his political career, he oversaw all facets of campaign operations, from grassroots and volunteer organization to logistics, polling, messaging and fundraising.

Each of the candidates he’s served attested to his work ethic, political acumen and winning mentality. As Busatta Cabrera put it, “He always finds a way to get the job done, no matter the task before him.”

Outside of campaign season, there is, of course, the business of governing. Lopez has built an impressive résumé in that arena as well.

Lopez has served in multiple capacities in state and local government, and since 2019 he has worked as the legislative assistant to House Speaker-designate Daniel Perez. Throughout his tenure in the House, Lopez cultivated strong relationships with staff and legislative members in both chambers and across both parties.

Those relationships will serve him well as he starts the next chapter of his career in The Process, working for one of — if not the — top lobbying firms in the Sunshine State.

The Southern Group, which recently expanded its footprint in South Florida, plucked Lopez ahead of the 2023 Legislative Session.

In his new role, the Florida International University graduate and Miami-Dade native will continue to work on statewide policy and appropriations issues in Tallahassee while also assisting clients in navigating county procurement and policy issues on his home turf.

“Miami-Dade County is one of the hottest political markets in the country and Avery has distinguished himself there as a trusted operative who knows how to deliver,” Southern Group Founder and Chairman Paul Bradshaw said.