Miami's Mayoral Election: A City Divided by Feuds and Dynasties

As Miami gears up for its mayoral election, a city of often-zany politics is witnessing a particularly intriguing contest. The 13 candidates vying for the part-time job of city mayor include no less than three mayoral hopefuls from prominent political dynasties. This year's election is marked by longstanding feuds, big questions about the city's growth and affordability, and concerns about competence at City Hall. The city's mayor has limited powers, unlike the county mayor, but can veto legislation and hire and fire the city manager.

Key Takeaways:

• The mayoral election features three candidates from prominent political dynasties: Joe Carollo, Xavier Suarez, and their families have been central figures in Miami politics for decades.
• Joe Carollo, 70, and Xavier Suarez, 76, are both former mayors who ran against each other in 1997, resulting in a judge declaring Carollo the winner after finding widespread voter fraud.
• The election is nonpartisan, but national politics have suffused the campaign, with a win by a Democrat potentially helping the party stay relevant in the state.
• Miami, a city of about half a million people, was closely contested in the 2020 presidential election, with Kamala Harris and President Trump receiving 50% and 49% of the vote, respectively.
• Democratic voters outnumber Republican ones by about five percentage points in Miami-Dade County.
• Corruption and leadership voids have tarnished Miami's image, with critics calling for a break from the past and a focus on addressing cost-of-living challenges.
• Two prominent mayoral candidates, Emilio T. González and Joe Carollo, have been embroiled in high-profile controversies, with González facing bribery and money laundering charges, and Carollo being sued for more than $63 million in connection with voter fraud allegations.

Statistics:

• 13 candidates are vying for the mayoral position in Miami.
• The city's population is approximately 500,000 people.
• Miami-Dade County's voter registration data shows a five-percentage-point disparity between Democratic and Republican voters.
• The city's first female mayor could be elected if Eileen Higgins wins the election.
• $63.5 million: the amount Joe Carollo was found liable for in damages after a pair of businessmen accused him of siccing inspectors on their bars and restaurants.

Sources:

• "Miami Dade County Voter Registration by Party", Miami-Dade County Elections Supervisor
• The Miami Herald
• Al Diaz/The Miami Herald