In yet another bizarre twist in Miami politics, candidate Jose Regalado is telling voters he’s endorsed by the Miami Police — despite the fact that the union representing City of Miami police officers, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), has officially endorsed his opponent, Ralph “Rafael” Rosado, in the District 4 race.
Regalado has been sending text messages to residents across the district the support of "Miami Police." But according to the FOP, which represents the rank-and-file officers who patrol Miami’s streets, their sole endorsement in this race appears to go to Rosado. The FOP’s support can be seen as a significant show of confidence from those who know public safety best.
Splitting hairs?
Regalado has appears to be attempted to muddy the waters by pointing to an endorsement from the Police Benevolent Association (PBA), an organization that represents some law enforcement agencies in South Florida — but *not* the officers of the City of Miami. While the PBA plays a role in the broader law enforcement landscape, it is not the voice of the Miami Police Department. This key distinction hasn’t stopped Regalado from campaigning, arguing that he carries the backing of the city’s frontline officers.
A PBA endorsement is a pretty good get for any candidate, but garnering the support from specific police union of the specific city a candidate for office looks to represent is a big deal.
Ralph Rosado is also claiming to have earned not only the endorsement of the Miami FOP, but also of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 1907 — the union representing hundreds of City of Miami workers.
“My campaign is the only campaign that has the endorsement of the men and women of Miami’s police,” said Rosado in a statement. “We will continue to build momentum through truth, transparency, and a record of real public service, not though the use of a family’s last name.”
As Election Day approaches, Miami residents will have to sift through all the campaign rhetoric and cast their votes for either Rosado and Regalado.
