Democratic Visit to Miami Cuban Bakery Draws Online Criticism

A campaign stop by Democratic House leader Hakeem Jeffries and Florida congressional candidate Eliott Rodriguez at CAO Bakery & Cafe in Pinecrest drew online criticism from conservative influencer Josue Alvarez, who argued that hosting Democrats conflicted with the bakery’s Cuban exile roots. Rodriguez and Jeffries have condemned socialism, and Rodriguez said he rejects it, but the bakery faced negative comments and reviews after Alvarez’s video circulated. CAO said it is a family-owned business, not a political organization, and welcomes customers across the political spectrum; it also stated its opposition to socialism. Vicky Bakery, a separate business with family ties to CAO, clarified that the event was not held at its locations and also denounced socialism. The episode reflects the sensitivity of socialism-related political disputes in Miami’s Cuban American community during an election campaign.