MIAMI - Republican sheriff-elect Rosie Cordero-Stutz expressed feeling "humbled and deeply honored" after becoming Miami-Dade County's first elected sheriff in nearly 60 years on Tuesday night.
"I am incredibly humbled and deeply honored to have been elected as your new Miami-Dade County Sheriff. "Thank you to every voter across our diverse and vibrant community for placing your trust in me to lead our county’s law enforcement and protect our community. This victory belongs to all residents of Miami-Dade," Cordero-Stutz said.
In the general election, Cordero-Stutz defeated Democratic candidate James Reyes 56%-44% to become Miami-Dade's next top cop. Specifically, Cordero-Stutz received approximately 564,000 votes to Reyes' 448,000.
"To my family, thank you for your unwavering support, patience, and love throughout this journey—I felt it every day. To my incredible team of volunteers, friends, and campaign staff who poured their time, talent, and dedication into this race: your hard work made this moment possible," Cordero-Stutz said.
Cordero-Stutz received several high-profile endorsements during her campaign, including from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President-elect Donald Trump, who carried Miami-Dade County by over 11 points.
Trump also became the first Republican presidential candidate to win Miami-Dade County since 1988. Like Trump, Cordero Stutz emphasized stopping crime and fighting illegal immigration in her campaign.
Her opponent, Reyes, had been handpicked by Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for the position. He also received an endorsement from Ex Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez just before the election.
"To the law enforcement community and to the local, state, and national leaders who backed me in a bipartisan manner, thank you for recognizing the significance of this race and believing in my qualifications and vision for a safer Miami-Dade," Cordero-Stutz added.
In addition, Cordero-Stutz promised the Office of the Sheriff would "remain open to collaboration and ideas", adding that "working together is how we will achieve success."
"Our diversity is our greatest strength, and it’s what fueled this campaign. I am committed to making sure that not only does every part of Miami-Dade feel safe but is safe," Cordero-Stutz said."Our mission to protect and serve transcends politics, and I pledge to lead with fairness, transparency, and unwavering dedication to every neighborhood across our county."
Before Tuesday night, Miami-Dade had an appointed "police director" since 1966. In 2018, Florida voters restored the elected sheriff position after passing Amendment 10.
"Together, we will ensure that Miami-Dade continues to be a place where families feel secure, businesses prosper, and all residents have the opportunity to thrive. "This is a new chapter for our county, and I am honored to serve as your Sheriff," Cordero-Stutz said. "Thank you for your support, and I look forward to working together to make our community safer and stronger for everyone."
