Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier warned Miami Mayor Francis Suarez and City Commissioners not to cancel the November mayoral election without first seeking voter approval in a letter on Wednesday. The controversial move could move the election date to 2026.
"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.
The City Commission is expected to vote tomorrow to cancel the election, effectively granting all sitting commissioners and Suarez an extra year in office without voter say.
The measure passed a first reading with the backing of Commissioners Damian Pardo, Christine King, and Ralph Rosado. A second and final passage could mean a "Banana Republic 2.0" in the Magic City, as some opponents have described.
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.
While the controversial ordinance is expected to face immediate legal challenges, some, like Emilio T. Gonzalez, are currently left in limbo. Gonzalez is running to succeed Suarez for mayor.
And if you think this is just a local soap opera drama, think again. National Conservative firebrand Laura Loomer picked up on the wild plan weeks ago.
"Is GOP Miami Mayor Francis Suarez @FrancisSaurez Plotting to Cancel the 2025 Election To Benefit & Enrich Himself?" Loomer asked.
If passed, Saurez will have ten days to veto the measure under city rules. A legacy name in Miami politics, Saurez has been an elected official since 2009 and mayor since 2017.
Will the mayor pack his bags willingly with a possible off-ramp? Tomorrow's anticipated vote might foreshadow that decision.
