Miami is gearing up for a heated mayoral election on November 4, featuring a remarkably crowded field of 13 candidates vying for the top spot. As early voting gets underway, this election stands out as one of the most open in over a decade, casting a spotlight on both political newcomers and seasoned incumbents alike.
Among the candidates, Miami city commissioner Joe Carollo and Miami-Dade County commissioner Eileen Higgins have attracted significant backing from prominent players in the real estate industry. However, they are joined by a diverse lineup of contenders including former city manager Emilio Gonzalez, ex-mayor Xavier Suarez, and former commissioners Ken Russell and Alex Diaz de la Portilla, all of whom are also gaining traction within various community segments.
Higgins, who is stepping down from her county commission position to run for mayor, boasts a strong record related to affordable housing. She has championed approximately 7,000 affordable and workforce housing units within her district and successfully pushed for expedited permitting for seawalls and bulkheads, aiming to modernize Miami’s infrastructure.
Meanwhile, Carollo has shown a contentious relationship with the real estate sector. Although he benefits from developer support, he made headlines in 2022 by advocating against a city incentive for reducing parking requirements near transit stations. His critics point to a recent $63 million verdict against him for civil rights violations—including a crackdown on Little Havana developers—that adds to his complex image among the electorate.
Gonzalez, who previously served as city manager from 2018 to 2020, has gained attention for successfully advocating for the election to be held this November after a postponement decision. His political action committee has received support from Little Havana entrepreneurs, while he also aligns with larger conservative fiscal policies, including proposals to eliminate property taxes on homesteaded homes.
Other candidates, like Russell, faced challenges in pushing through legislative efforts during their time on the city commission, and Suarez, who seeks to undermine his past controversy over voter fraud, puts forward a framework to further affordable housing.
Diaz de la Portilla’s political journey has been marred by legal challenges, but he maintains a degree of support through connections with local high-profile investors. His situation illustrates the complexities within Miami politics, showing how deep-rooted ties to real estate can impact candidate viability.
As the candidates ramp up their campaigns, they face a pressing need to address the pervasive issues of housing affordability and urban development in a city marked by soaring home prices. The upcoming election offers Miamians not only a chance to elect their leader but also an opportunity for candidates to propose actionable solutions that could significantly impact the community’s housing landscape.
In commercial real estate news, investor Edmond Harbour acquired a teardown property on the Sunset Islands for $34 million, while TA Realty purchased a 476-unit apartment complex in Palm Beach Gardens for $193 million from Blackstone.
As new developments unfold and the voter registration deadline approaches, Miami’s mayoral race could very well define the city’s trajectory in the coming years, particularly regarding housing policies. With candidates eager to connect with constituents, the potential for constructive reform remains on the horizon.