Joe Sanchez, a longtime Miami area resident with decades of law enforcement experience, announced his candidacy for the newly vacant Miami-Dade County Commission District 5 seat this week. The seat was previously held by Commissioner Eileen Higgins, who resigned to run for Miami Mayor.
“District 5 is my home: I’ve raised my children here, watched my mother grow old here, and seen this community grow,” Sanchez said in a press statement. “I believe our residents deserve to be represented by one of their own, a true neighbor who understands their needs. That’s why I want to serve and help keep this district a strong, thriving home for all of us.”
Sanchez has lived in Miami-Dade County for 55 years, including 36 years in law enforcement and community leadership positions, beginning with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) in 1987. He currently serves as Public Information Officer for FHP in South Florida.
Sanchez also served eight years in the U.S. Army Reserves and 11 years as a Miami City Commissioner.
During his time as city commissioner, Sanchez was awarded a Medal of Valor by the Miami-Dade County Commission for his leadership in the ValueJet crash search and recovery effort to locate survivors in the Everglades.
District 5 covers the southern portion of Miami Beach and parts of the City of Miami, including Downtown, Little Havana, and areas of Brickell. Higgins, the district's former representative, is currently in a two-way runoff race with Emilio Gonzalez for Miami mayor.
“I’m advocating for a special election in District 5,” Sanchez added. “Not just for my candidacy, but because it’s the most democratic choice. Every voice in our community deserves to be heard, and it’s worth every dollar to let the people, not the politicians, decide who represents us.”
No stranger to politics, Sanchez ran unsuccessfully for Miami-Dade Sheriff in 2024, finishing a close second in the Republican primary, just behind the race's eventual winner Rosie Cordero-Stutz.
All politicians make promises but never deliver.
It’s about time at least one take the bull by the horns and end all HOA money embezzlement.
Coral Gardens Condo Association
3431 sw 9 terrace Miami Fl 33135
has been pocketing money for more than 20 years.