Miami Commissioners voted 3-2 on Thursday to cancel the city's 2025 mayoral election and move it to November 2026. Commissioners Christine King, Ralph Rosado, and Damian Pardo voted in favor, while Joe Carollo and Miguel Gabela voted against.
The controversial measure essentially gives Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and City Commissioners an extra year in office. It also leaves as many as 18 other candidates in a state of limbo for the time being.
In the lead-up to Thursday, Proponents argued the move would coincide with federal races and boost voter turnout. They also say it would save the city money.
Critics of the move, including Prospective Miami Mayor Emilio T. Gonzalez, have said the move would undermine the will of Miami voters. Many also slammed the change as flat-out illegal, given city and county rules that require voter approval for any changes to election dates.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier also shared Gonzalez's viewpoint, who got into the fray after sending Saurez and City Commissioners a pair of letters recently condemning the move.
"Home to thousands of patriotic Cuban Americans who know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power, the City of Miami owes to its citizens what the law requires," Uthmeier said.
Following Uthmeier's lead, Gov. Ron DeSantis agreed the Commissioners couldn't just rewrite their own rules.
"As the governor recently noted, it is our position that city of Miami politicians do not have the authority to cancel this year’s elections and extend their terms in office without voter approval," Communication Director Bryan Griffin said in a response to The Floridian.
A legal battle could be brewing.
Saurez has 10 days from its passage to veto the measure under city rules. A household name in Miami government, Saurez has been an elected official since 2009 and mayor since 2017.
