Miami mayoral candidate Emilio T. Gonzalez has earned the backing of six former South Florida police chiefs in his run for mayor, he announced on Monday.
The group getting behind Gonzalez includes former City of Miami Police Chief Jorge Colina, former Director of the Miami-Dade Police Department Juan Perez, former Police Chief of El Portal David Magnusson, former City of Miami Police Chief Manuel Oroza, former University of Miami Police Chief David Rivero, and former City of Miami Police Chief Rodolfo Llanas.
"In Miami's mayor's race, it is not a matter of who we want; it is a matter of who we need," Colina said in the mayor's release. "Unequivocally, that is Emilo Gonzalez. "Only Emilio has the vision, integrity, and courage to lead Miami lead."
Perez added, "The city is in crisis. We need a return to values, integrity, and strong character to bring back the city we all love. "That is why I endorse Emilio Gonzalez for Mayor of the City of Miami."
Gonzalez is one of 12 candidates bidding for mayor. Miami's current mayor, Francis Suarez, is term-limited and cannot run for reelection.
"As a law enforcement professional who rose to the top of my profession, I demanded honesty, humility, and integrity," Magnusson said. "I demand no less from elected officials, which is exactly why I support Emilio Gonzalez for Mayor of Miami."
Orozo added, "Emilio is the only candidate that has the experience, integrity, and honesty to run the City of Miami. "I trust him and hope you will too."
The prospective endorsements follow Gonzalez's three-pillar approach for Miami as he looks to succeed Suarez this November. The election almost didn't happen, and Gonzalez fought multiple times to reverse the effort to stop the election.
"Emilio is a true representation of the leader Miami needs. His experience and commitment to our community make me proud to endorse his candidacy for Mayor of Miami," Llanas said.
Rivero added, "I proudly endorse Emilio Gonzalez for Mayor of Miami. "His military service, integrity, and proven leadership will make Miami stronger and safer."
Responding to the endorsements, Gonzalez expressed gratitude for the support.
"I am deeply honored to have the confidence of Miami's law enforcement leaders who know what it takes to keep our families safe," Gonzalez said. "As mayor, I will bring the same courage and integrity these law enforcement leaders exemplify, and that I demonstrated serving in the Army and throughout my career, making tough calls when needed, being fair, and always putting people over politics."
