Miami-Dade County Commission to Decide on District 6 Vacancy Amid Political Rumors

Miami, FL – The Miami-Dade County Commission is expected to take up a politically charged item on its upcoming agenda: how to fill the vacant District 6 seat, previously held by Commissioner Kevin Cabrera, who has been appointed U.S. Ambassador to Panama.

While the formal process is still under review, insiders indicate that Natalie Millan Orbis—wife of Cabrera’s former chief of staff—is the likely pick to be appointed by the commission. Orbis, a veteran staffer with years of experience working alongside multiple county commissioners, including Commissioners Martinez, Zapata, Sosa, and Chairman Diaz, is reportedly backed by a key ally on the dais: current Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez.

The potential appointment, however, is already stirring contention behind the scenes. Some commissioners believe that a special election should be held to let voters decide who should fill the seat, especially given the weight District 6 holds in key countywide decisions—most notably, its oversight of Miami International Airport. Whether the commission will move forward with a direct appointment or opt for a public vote remains to be seen, setting the stage for a tense debate.

Adding another layer to the discussion, Miami Springs Mayor Maria Puente Mitchell has publicly expressed interest in the seat if a special election is called, stating she would be best equipped to represent the district. Her entry into the mix introduces a new dynamic, with support from some municipal leaders who argue the district deserves a candidate with proven executive experience.

In the early stages of deliberation, West Miami Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron was also rumored to be a potential appointee. However, that possibility appears to have faded in recent days as political momentum shifted elsewhere. Mayor Diaz-Padron was recently in the news for hosting a high-profile roundtable in West Miami with cross-county elected officials and law enforcement, focused on the urgent need to confront human trafficking—an issue gaining traction at both the state and local levels.

Supporters of holding a special election argue it is the more prudent and democratic path forward, especially in a district that has drawn the attention of several potentially qualified candidates. Critics of a direct appointment have also pointed out that Vice Mayor Millan Orbis, though serving in West Miami, has never been elected—she was appointed to her position rather than chosen by voters.

Orbis’s close political alignment with Chair Rodriguez has only added to the intrigue. Rodriguez has increasingly asserted himself as a power broker on the commission, and sources say he views the Orbis appointment as an opportunity to consolidate influence ahead of a broader shakeup in Miami-Dade politics.

One of the names at the center of that shakeup: Florida House Speaker Danny Pérez. Rumors have been circulating in Tallahassee and Miami-Dade that Pérez is quietly laying the groundwork for a mayoral bid once his term in the Legislature ends. From assembling a team to courting local stakeholders, Pérez’s presence is being felt despite his current role in the state capital.

His relationship with Governor Ron DeSantis has become increasingly contentious, and the question now looming over Tallahassee and Miami alike is: how long will that feud last — and could it become a barrier to Pérez’s future political aspirations?

The timing couldn’t be more consequential. Insiders suggest Pérez’s interest in the mayor’s race may be shaping his recent policy posture—particularly his sudden emphasis on property tax reform. Polling in South Florida shows voters overwhelmingly prefer reductions or elimination of property taxes over sales tax cuts, a shift that Pérez and House leadership appear to be embracing as they gear up for the next session.

As the commission prepares to weigh its options for the District 6 vacancy, the decision may carry ramifications far beyond one seat. From the Orbis appointment to a potential special election, and from mayoral ambitions to gubernatorial dynamics, Miami-Dade’s political landscape is in motion—and the next few weeks may offer the first real glimpse into what’s coming next.