He was a member of parliament from 2002 to 2015, before taking office as minister in the Government.

[1][2][3][4] During his time in government, Cabrita faced criticism over a range of incidents, including the death of a Ukrainian immigrant in custody at Lisbon airport; authorization for celebrations of the national football championship that were blamed for spreading COVID-19; and his handling of a coronavirus outbreak among migrant farm hands.

[5] On 3 December 2021, he resigned after his driver was accused of “negligent homicide” over the death of a highway worker, while driving Cabrita's car at 40 km/h above the speed limit,[6] being substituted on the day after by the Minister of Justice Francisca Van Dunem.

[7] After the resignation, he resumed his duties as a member of the Assembly of the Republic representing Setúbal, from December 2021 until March 2022.

[2] He is married to Ana Paula Vitorino, who was also a member of António Costa's cabinet as Minister of Maritime Affairs.