Coral Gables Commission candidate Richard Lara has been endorsed by former opponent Claudia Miro ahead of the city's runoff election on April 22, his campaign announced on Tuesday.
“I’m incredibly honored to have Claudia Miro’s support,” Lara said in a press release. “Claudia ran a campaign rooted in integrity, transparency, and putting the residents of Coral Gables first. Her endorsement means a great deal to me, to the voters who supported her, and to the many
residents who believe it’s time for a new chapter of leadership in our city.”
Last week, Richard Lara earned 47% of the vote over candidates Tom Wells with 39% and Claudia Miro with 14% for a seat on the city's commission. However, Coral Gables election rules require a candidate to receive more than half the vote to win outright.
Lara will now face Wells in round two for the commissioner seat. Miro is no longer in the race after her third-place finish.
His campaign called Miro a "respected community advocate" in the announcement.
“Richard Lara is the right person to help lead the Coral Gables Commission into the future,” said Miro. “It’s time to turn the page on the last two years of unnecessary salary increases and decisions that ignored the will of the people—like denying residents the opportunity to vote on having an independent Inspector General in our city," Miro said.
"Richard will bring back the focus on residents and real solutions that our city desperately needs. That is why I am asking all the people who honored me with their support to vote Richard this April 22nd," Miro added.
Lara is also the preferred candidate of Mayor Vince Lago, who crushed City Commissioner Kirk Menendez in the mayoral race.
Early voting in the race begins on April 19 and April 20.
