Miami-Dade Democratic sheriff candidate James Reyes endorsed by five County Commissioners

MIAMI - Miami-Dade Democratic sheriff candidate James Reyes broadly thanked five Miami-Dade County Commissioners for their endorsements on Thursday.

"It’s a true honor to earn the endorsements of our trusted County Commissioners who work day in and day out to strengthen our community, guide us into the future, and support our public safety efforts," Reyes said.

The five County Commissioners to endorse Reyes were Chairman Oliver Gilbert of District 1, Marlene Bastein of District 2, Eileen Higgins of District 5, Danielle Cohen Higgins of District 8, and Kionne McGhee of District 9. The announcement did not include the county's eight other commissioners.

"As chair of the Miami-Dade County Commission, I'm proud to endorse our Miami-Dade Cheif of Public Safety James Reyes to be the first elected sheriff in 60 years. When his hometown called on him to serve Miami-Dade County and bring reforms to public safety, he didn't hesitate, and his leadership has brought important change that has made our community safer," Gilbert said.

Along with County Commissioners, Reyes earned an endorsement from the United Teachers of Dade. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and Reps. Kevin Chambliss, D-Homestead, and Marie Paule Woodson, D-Hollywood.

"In law enforcement, nothing is more important than building trust, ensuring our entire community is protected, and treating every resident fairly and equally, and I've seen James do just that. I've been proud to work with our Chief and I've seen firsthand why he will make his hometown proud as our Sheriff," Gilbert added.

Miami-Dade has had an appointed "police director" since 1966. In 2018, Florida voters restored the elected sheriff position after passing Amendment 10.

Reyes is running in November's general election against Republican Rosie Cordero-Stutz, who recently earned an endorsement from former Democrat Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine and Gov. Ron DeSantis in September.