MIAMI - Miami-Dade Republican sheriff candidate Rosie Cordero-Stutz announced Monday that she has been endorsed by former Miami Beach Democrat Mayor Philip Levine.
"I am truly honored to have the support and endorsement of former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine. "His leadership and commitment to our community have been remarkable, and I’m grateful for his trust in my ability to keep Miami-Dade residents safe," Cordero-Stutz said.
"Together, with your support, we can ensure that our county’s law enforcement is in the best hands and that our community remains strong and secure. Thank you, @MayorLevine, for your support and your confidence," Cordero-Stutz added.
Levine served as mayor of Miami Beach from 2013-2017. He also ran for governor as a Democrat in 2018, earning 20% of the vote before being eliminated in the primary.
“When we look across the country, and we see cities like New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and San Francisco – these are not safe cities. We do not want Miami-Dade to ever become like one of those cities," Levine said. "Rosie has been in the trenches. She started from the bottom up. She has been a cop. She has been there 28 years. Miami-Dade County, compared to any other city in America, is incredibly safe, and Rosie is a part of that safety."
Miami-Beach has been rocked in recent years by rowdy spring break crowds, forcing local officials to impose midnight curfews, institute bag checks, restrict beach access, and increase DUI checkpoints.
The city also added extra law enforcement to combat "lawlessness" from unruly college kids.
Along with Levine, Cordero-Stutz was recently endorsed by Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis. She also has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump, Florida Republican Sen. Rick Scott, and U.S. Reps. Carlos Gimenez, R-Fla., and Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.
"When it comes to law enforcement, there is no Republican or Democratic way to keep residents safe — there is just the right way, and I know that Rosie has the right way to do that. I am honored to endorse Rosie, and I know that she will be a fantastic Sheriff," Levine added.
Miami-Dade has had an appointed "police director" since 1966. In 2018, Florida voters restored the elected sheriff position after passing Amendment 10.
Cordero-Stutz is facing off against Democrat James Reyes for the re-established post.
Levine's successor, Democrat Dan Gelber, is backing Reyes for sheriff. Gelber served as mayor of Miami Beach from 2017-2023 and was a member of the Florida Legislature from 2000-2010.
Current Miami Beach Mayor Steven Meiner has not officially supported either candidate. Reyes also has been endorsed by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava and the United Teachers of Dade.
The Miami-Dade County sheriff election is scheduled for Nov. 5.
