Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava secured a significant victory in her reelection bid by garnering almost 60% of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff election. This win solidifies her position as the mayor of Florida’s most populous county. The Miami-Dade residents also made history by choosing the first elected sheriff since 1966, with two long-serving law enforcement officials set to compete in November. This decision comes after decades of the county being without an elected sheriff due to a previous corruption scandal that resulted in the appointment of a police director.
Levine Cava, a member of the Democratic party, emerged victorious over six other candidates in the election, including the mayors of Miami Lakes and Surfside. In a statement following her win, Levine Cava expressed her commitment to addressing housing challenges, investing in infrastructure, promoting safe and healthy communities, and safeguarding the environment to ensure resilience for the county.
The provision of avoiding a runoff election was triggered by Levine Cava surpassing the 50% vote threshold. Prior to becoming mayor, Levine Cava held various roles such as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and engaged in social and legal work. She gained national recognition for her leadership during the response to the tragic collapse of the Champlain Towers condominium building in Surfside in June 2021, in which 98 individuals lost their lives.
In the upcoming sheriff election, Democrat James Reyes and Republican Rosie Cordero-Stutz will compete in November after prevailing over multiple primary contenders. Reyes, who received endorsement from Levine Cava, currently serves as the chief of public safety for Miami-Dade County, while Cordero-Stutz holds the position of assistant director of investigative services at the Miami-Dade Police Department.
