Evelyn Castillo-Bach

Evelyn Castillo-Bach is a Democratic candidate for governor of Florida and a longtime resident of Pembroke Pines. Born and raised in New York City, she is the daughter of a Cuban immigrant mother and a Puerto Rican father. She learned English in fourth grade and became a mother at age 19. Castillo-Bach graduated cum laude after studying cultural anthropology and biomedical sciences and earned a Master of Science from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. She currently serves as executive director of Balanced Justice Network, an organization advocating for criminal justice reform, second chances, and greater transparency in plea agreements and sentencing. A longtime independent voter, Castillo-Bach changed her party affiliation to Democratic in August 2024 and officially registered as a candidate in December 2025. Her personal experiences with the criminal justice system, raising three sons, and observing the financial challenges facing Florida families have shaped her campaign.