Miami mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez criticized the City Commissioners for their latest attempt to devote $7.5 million in services to sporting events instead of focusing on issues affecting Miami residents, calling it a “perfect example of the broken priorities at City Hall" in a statement over the weekend.
Gonzalez, who's competing against Eileen Higgins for the job, slammed the former commissioner for supporting more than 40 million dollars in taxpayer funds for FIFA [Fédération Internationale de Football Association] events, as well as "elite insider functions" during her time in office.
"Only in Miami can politicians find millions of dollars overnight for sporting events and VIP parties, but they can't deliver on the basics - flooding, affordability, public safety, and infrastructure," Gonzalez said.“This is exactly the kind of misplaced priorities that have held our city back. My opponent has been part of the same political cesspool enabling these giveaways.”
Higgins was County Commissioner from 2018 to 2025. Gonzalez also asked his opponent for "answers and accountability" to the concern.
“Where is the money going? Where has the money gone? Enough is enough," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez is facing off in a runoff election for mayor after neither he nor Higgins received 50% of the vote required to win in the Nov. 4 general election. Both are looking to replace Mayor Francis Suarez, who is term-limited.
With less than a month to go until round two, Gonzalez reemphasized his keys to victory to win the job, including ending corruption, delivering tax reform, and spearheading a "Families First" agenda to protect city neighborhoods and provide essential services.
Gonzalez also vowed to keep city legislation in check in the best interest of his constituents, who he hopes to win over next month.
“If an ordinance doesn’t lower the cost of living, end corruption, or put residents first, I will veto it. Every time," Gonzalez said.
Will it all be enough for voters in a few short weeks?
“The future of Miami will be decided on December 9,” González continued. “We can’t afford more waste, more giveaways, or more insider politics. Miami needs leadership with real priorities—and it starts with putting our residents first.”
