MIAMI - After moving past their respective primaries, Democrat James Reyes and Republican Rosie Cordero-Stutz will square off to see who will become Miami-Dade County's first sheriff in nearly 60 years.
Previously endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Cordero-Stutz has been with the Miami-Dade Police Department for over 28 years. While moving up in rank over that period, Cordero-Stutz currently works as Assistant Director of Investigative Services for the department.
In the Republican Primary Election on Aug. 20, Cordero-Stutz bested 11 other candidates for the nomination with 24% of the vote. Cordero-Stutz's next closest competitors included Joe Sanchez, who garnered 22% of the vote, and Mario Knapp who only managed to get 14 of the overall vote.
"With over 28 years of service as a dedicated police officer right here in Miami-Dade, I am the most qualified to lead our new Sheriff’s Office and ensure the safety of our entire community," Cordero-Stutz said. "My priority has always been public safety and that commitment will never change."
Along with Trump, other high-profile lawmakers backing Cordero-Stutz include Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott and Florida Republican Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Mario Diaz-Balart.
In addition, Cordero-Stutz has been endorsed by the Florida Fraternal Order of Police, or FOP. She also reportedly received support from over 27 current and former sheriffs from across the state.
If elected as the county's first sheriff since 1966, Cordero-Stutz has promised a "rigorous adherence" to law and order, as well as "upholding the highest standards of law enforcement ethics." She also has vowed a commitment to transparency and accountability within the sheriff's office and improving the department's mental health response to individuals.
Backed by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Reyes holds 25 years of law enforcement experience in South Florida, including 22 with the Broward Sheriff's Office. Reyes currently serves as Chief of Public Safety in Miami-Dade and lives in Broward County.
In a less crowded field than his counterpart, Reyes garnered 46% of the vote over three other candidates, all of whom failed to breach more than 20%.
"I am committed to building a Sheriff's Office that keeps all of our residents, seniors, and families safe in every corner of Miami-Dade while championing a community where everyone is safe and free," Reyes said.
Among his priorities if elected, Reyes has vowed to fight public corruption, including establishing an independent public corruption unit. He also has promised to invest in crime-preventive technology to keep the county's neighborhoods safe.
Along with Cava, Reyes was endorsed by Reps. Kevin Chambliss, D-Homestead, and Marie Paule Woodson, D-Hollywood. He also has received support from the South Florida Police Benevolent Association and Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff election is scheduled for Nov. 5.
