MIAMI LAKES, Fla. - Miami Lakes Council member Josh Dieguez defeated Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez in a runoff election to become the new Mayor of Miami Lakes on Tuesday.
According to the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections, Dieguez received just over 56% of the vote (2,239) to Fernandez's 44% (1,749). Dieguez also won despite a low voter turnout, with only 19% of the 21,000 residents participating.
Dieguez's victory comes after neither candidate received more than half the vote on Nov. 5. He replaces former Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid, who lost in his bid to become Mayor of Miami-Dade County to incumbent Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.
Neither candidate also held a significant advantage in campaign cash, according to campaign finance reports. Specifically, Dieguez raised $85,000 to Fernandez's $81,000 and spent $74,500 to his $66,000 during the campaign.
While victorious in the mayoral race, much of Miami Lakes' executive leadership is handled by Town Manager Edward Pidermann, who reports to the Town Council.
In the lead-up to the election, Dieguez emphasized the importance of public safety, fiscal responsibility, taxes, traffic relief, flooding and infrastructure support, and protecting the town's green space.
Dieguez also was appointed to the Rock Mining Task Force by State Representative Manny Diaz Jr. in 2018 to protect homes against rock mining blasting. Dieguez has indicated that he will continue to advocate for the initiative as mayor.
In addition, Dieguez served as a member of the town's Elderly Affairs Committee, Charter Revision Commission, and the Neighborhood Improvement Committee before becoming mayor.
He also currently works as an attorney with Dieguez & Associates in Miami Lakes.
His opponent, Fernandez, had vowed a "people over politics" approach to keeping Miami Lakes moving in the right direction. Fernandez also underscored his commitment to making the town a better place for many years.
Before politics, Dieguez graduated cum laude from Florida International University with a double major in Political Science and History. He also earned his Juris Doctor degree and a Certificate in Environmental Law from St. Thomas University.
A longtime resident, Dieguez has lived in Miami Lakes since 1989. The town is located about 20 miles northwest of Miami in Miami-Dade County.