We all knew it was coming, but Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava made it official Wednesday, wading into the Miami mayoral election, backing her political BFF, County Commissioner Eileen Higgins among the 13 candidates.
Nobody is surprised. But the timing might be key: It comes 12 hours after a less-than-lackluster performance by Higgins at a mayoral debate hosted by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance.
Read related: One-liners and other memorable moments from Miami mayoral debate
La Alcadesa’s press shop put out a glowing endorsement calling La Gringa “ethical” and “results-driven” and listed off Levine Higgins’ greatest hits: affordable housing, smarter transit, small-business grants, tree planting, plastic-cutting, fertilizer bans. It was as if she was checking boxes. Echoing the candidate’s first video ad, Higgins “has a clear plan” to get it done, the mayor said.
“Eileen Higgins delivers for people — plain and simple,” Levine Cava gushed.
Ladra has been watching these two walk in lockstep for years. Higgins has been one of Levine Cava’s most reliable allies on the dais, backing her housing plans and climate measures and showing up for the photo-ops. They’ve practically co-hosted groundbreakings together. And they share a brain in political consultant and former Democratic Party operative Christian Ulvert.
So of course Daniella was going to bless her campaign for Miami mayor. Who else was she going to endorse? Joe Carollo? Xavier Suárez?
For her part, Higgins said she’s “honored,” for the mayor’s support. “We share a commitment to restoring trust in government and putting residents first,” she said in a statement. There was nothing about sharing the blame for a $400-million budget shortfall that caused much handwringing last month and a $93 million hole that still exists in the county coffers (more on that later). But Higgins did promise to cut red tape, bring transparency, and make City Hall “a partner, not a roadblock.”
Sounds nice, though Ladra will believe it when she sees it. City Hall has a way of swallowing reformers whole. Two words: Damian Pardo.
Read related: Poll has Eileen Higgins in Miami mayoral runoff with Emilio Gonzalez
Higgins is running for the seat vacated by the termed-out Mayor Francis Suarez against 12 other wannabes that include Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Mayor Sir Xavier Suárez.
A poll weeks ago had her heading into a runoff with Gonzalez, but Russell — who came in third — inched up a few notches after Tuesday’s debate, since he was more willing than Higgins to go toe to toe with ADLP and Carollo, and not afraid of throwing the dynamite.
Reached by Political Cortadito, Gonzalez told Ladra that he was not surprised that Levine Cava would support her ally.
“The same commissioner who voted for a budget that left taxpayers with a $400 million hole despite record property values,” said Gonzalez, who last week announced a bunch of law enforcement endorsements. “Where did the money go? Into waste, perks and giveaways, not into solving the real crises families are facing.”
To be fair, the county mayor and commission closed shortened the gap to about $93 million that needs to be found by midyear.
Still, Levine Cava’s endorsement gives Higgins a little extra boost as she tries to separate herself from the crowded field. She’s already got labor unions, EMILY’s List, Equality Florida and Ruth’s List in her corner, not to mention bragging rights for being the only candidate who qualified by petition signatures. And now she’s got the county mayor’s seal of approval, which comes built-in donor networks, ground game machinery and establishment clout.
But Ladra can’t help but wonder if it also comes with some baggage. Miami voters don’t exactly swoon over County Hall meddling in city business. Levine Cava has her own critics who accuse her of being too cozy with developers, too involved in the non-profit industrial complex, too slow on housing affordability, or too eager to chase headlines. If Higgins becomes “Daniella’s candidate,” she risks carrying those grievances into the city race.
That’s probably someone polled DLC’s pull in the city this last week, before making the nod public.
Read related: Partisan divide is strong in Miami mayoral race, Gonzalez vs Higgins
And let’s not forget — in Miami politics, endorsements don’t always translate to ballots. Sometimes they just remind voters of the backroom club they don’t belong to. And let’s not pretend this was some bold, game-changing move. This was expected. Levine Cava and Higgins are cut from the same cloth — progressive, policy-heavy, coalition-friendly.
Daniella just made it official with a big, warm abrazo.
The real question is whether Miami voters — who have been burned again and again by promises of “integrity” and “accountability” — are willing to believe it again.

For more independent coverage of the Miami elections, support the watchdog journalism on Political Cortadito with a contribution. Every little bit helps keep Ladra’s bark loud and her bite sharp.

The post Daniella Levine Cava gives Higgins the expected abrazo in Miami mayor’s race appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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Six of the 13 candidates in the Nov. 4 Miami mayoral race will face off on stage at the Hyatt Regency downtown for a real, bonafide debate starting at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
They are: Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, former Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla, former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Xavier Suarez, the first Cuban-born mayor of Miami in 1985, wanting a comeback 40 years later.
For those of us who are watching from home — it will be broadcast live on CBS News Miami — there’s something we can do to make it more, um, soportable. This is the first Political Cortadito-sanctioned drinking game and everyone is urged to be responsible and stay put. Don’t pull a Pepe Diaz and get arrested for DUI.
Read related: Miami mayoral hopefuls face off — but only the “top six” make debate cut
Since there are a few expected quips, zingers and BS lines to come out of the candidates’ mouths Tuesday night, why don’t we play along? The rules are real simple. Take a bottle of your choice of alcohol. And then follow these instructions, carefully.
Take a sip or a shot when:

Joe Carollo interrupts someone before they finish their sentence.
Alex Díaz de la Portilla blames the media, the feds, or “political enemies.”
Emilio González says “manager” or “efficient government.”
Eileen Higgins mentions transparency or accountability.
Ken Russell tries to play the peacemaker.
Xavier Suárez references his experience or calls back to the “old days.”

Take two sips or two shots when:

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No walk-ins, no exceptions, no joke
Oye, mi gente, don’t even think about just strolling into the mayoral debate at the Hyatt Regency Tuesday hosted by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance like it’s open mic night at Thank You Miami Cocina and Beer House. Security is going to be tighter than your tío’s guayabera after Nochebuena.
“We’re taking this very seriously,” DNA President James Torres told Political Cortadito. “Think TSA checkpoint.”
And he means it.
After the Ukrainian refugee killed on a public train in Charlotte and the shocking assassination of conservative firebrand Charlie Kirk at a Utah university campus event, organizers aren’t taking any chances. No walk-ins. No maybe-I-can-slip-in-with-a-smile.
“This is a ticketed event,” said Torres, adding that a private security firm has been hired to work with Miami Police and hotel security staff. “For the safety of everybody, constituents and candidates, as well.”
Everyone who wants in has to be pre-registered, credentialed, and ready to have their bags searched like you’re trying to sneak rum into Ultra. And it’s already sold out after more than 350 people RSVPd on Eventbrite.
Expect metal detectors, wrist bands, bag checks, and a serious security presence. The goal? To keep the sparks flying on stage, not in the audience.
Read related: Miami mayoral hopefuls face off — but only the “top six” make debate cut
“I have no choice,” Torres said about the safety enhancements. “We know there will be some heckling. But if it gets out of line, people will be escorted out, because it’s a live telecast.”
So if you were planning on showing up last-minute to cheer for your favorite candidate, sorry. You’ll have to watch the fireworks broadcast live on CBS News Miami or the CBS News app, safe and sound on your couch — where the only pat-down is from your dog jumping on you during commercial breaks.
The debate starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday.
The post Security will be tight at Miami mayoral debate post political violence across U.S. appeared first on Political Cortadito.

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The hottest ticket in Miami Tuesday seems to be the circus, er, Miami mayoral debate hosted by the Downtown Neighbors Alliance. The show is sold out. All 350 seats at the Hyatt Regency venue have been reserved. Walk-ins are not allowed due to “security reasons,” (more on that later). So it’s an exclusive gig.
And this show — broadcast live on CBS News Miami — promises more drama than a telenovela marathon.
But don’t expect to see all 13 candidates on stage. Nope. The Downtown Neighbors Alliance (DNA) and CBS Miami decided to whittle the field down to the six who hit at least 5% in a poll of likely voters. So only the “frontrunners” made the cut. Nobody really needed a poll for this, but the debate stage is set for:

Joe Carollo – Known as “Crazy Joe,” or “Loco Pollo Carollo,” the master of vendettas and late-night commission meltdowns will be the first to watch. He talks slow, so it might be difficult for him to get his thoughts out in 30-second shifts. Expect him to bellow. He loves the sound of his own voice.
Alex Díaz de la Portilla – Let’s call him “Cara Dura.” Suspended from office by the guv after he was arrested in September 2023 on 14 felonies, including money laundering and bribery — charges that were dropped late last year —  than election wins in the last decade. He’s still betting Miami voters have short memories. Expect him to blame the radical left and their agenda for his arrest and persecution.
Emilio González – The former city manager is the one who went to court and got the election back on the ballot after city commissioners moved the election and basically cancelled the Nov. 4 mayoral race. He’s been aggressive on the campaign and has a platform of policy that sounds like it should be delivered in PowerPoint. Expect him to focus on efficiency and rooting out corruption and he’ll try to sound like the only adult in the room.
Eileen Higgins – Known as “La Gringa,” mostly because she carved out her county district base in Little Havana, she will try to sound like the smartest person in the room. She has to convince Miamians she’s got citywide appeal and will probably throw in some Spanish because she can.
Ken Russell – You probably know him from TikTok. Mr. Nice Guy, who’s been running for something nonstop since he discovered politics, is going to try to keep things cool and collected. But he also has an impeccable memory of Miami’s reality and could be the only one who brings us back there from time to time.
Xavier Suárez – Miami’s first Cuban mayor and the original “Commissioner Loco,” who now everyone considers their professor, now in comeback mode, trying to look like the elder statesman instead of the throwback candidate, despite the fact that he is the father of current Mayor Francis Suarez. When they talk about dynasty politics, this is a classic case.

All candidates are confirmed, said DNA President James Torres, who told Political Cortadito that this is not a typical kumbaya forum. “This is a real debate. This is not softball,” Torres said. “We are going to be asking the questions the voters want to ask.”
The candidates will each draw a number out of a basket to get a seat and then have a minute to introduce themselves before CBS Miami anchor and moderator Eliott Rodriguez starts the questions. They’ll have one minute to answer and 30 seconds to rebut if their name is said by another candidate. They will also be allowed a two minute conclusion, which Ladra thinks is a mistake. The last time Carollo got two minutes at a Downtown Development Authority meeting, he took six.
This beautiful opportunity presents us with a bunch of possible fireworks displays and other exciting would-be scenarios and, yes, Ladra is salivating.
Carollo and Díaz de la Portilla on the same stage? The DNA should have charged admission to raise funds to fight the DDA (more on that later). Because people would pay to see that. Ladra wonders if Crazy Joe will call ADLP “the mamey king,” as he’s done on his morning radio show, because Alex keeps handing the fruit out as he knocks on doors.
Then there is the Higgins and Gonzalez dynamic. A poll when had those two in a runoff after the clusterbunch Nov. 4, and their respective camps have already attacked each other on a partisan level. It will be interesting (read: awkward) to see them standing together. Ladra hopes the draw numbers to stand side by side.
“I plan to not be part of any dysfunction,” Gonzalez told Ladra Monday.
Read related: Partisan divide is strong in Miami mayoral race, Gonzalez vs Higgins
Higgins is brave if she shows up. First, because she is likely thinking she doesn’t have to, as one of the two frontrunners in that poll, and secondly because this is not her audience. The DNA has been hard on Higgins inaction and lack of engagement on the issue of the Miami Downtown Development Authority, of which she is the vice chair, which has come under fire from the DNA.
Ladra hopes Suarez doesn’t look too lost and Russell doesn’t stay too nice.
All in all, it could be un arroz con mango. Because arroz con mamey just sounds gross.
There are seven other candidates left out in the cold, even though their names will still be on the ballot. Because apparently, democracy has a minimum entry fee now: 5% in somebody’s poll.
Ladra understands the limitation. You cannot have a serious debate with 13 people on the stage and there are some who aren’t serious contenders at all, so why give them the time and space that would be taken away from viable candidates?
The benched wannabes are:

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A new political action committee for the Eileen Higgins campaign for Miami mayor raised $250,000 in its first quarter, showing heavy support from real estate developers, engineering firms, lobbyists — and a political committee that tried to elect James Reyes to Miami-Dade sheriff.
Ethical Leadership for Miami filed its first paperwork on March 24, a little more than a week before Higgins filed paperwork for the mayoral race in April. Its chairman is Christian Ulvert, Higgins’ campaign manager. The total contributions through the end of June was $250,700. Her mayoral campaign picked up another $88,325, for a total of just under $340K. The reports combined show that Higgins had also spent $132,000 as of June 30.
Read related: Poll has Eileen Higgins in Miami mayoral runoff with Emilio Gonzalez
The top donors to her PAC so far are:

$50,000 through four different entities that gave $12,500 each from the real estate developer Related Companies, will need the county’s green light for its plan to build two towers with affordable and workforce housing, a hotel and shops in front of Jackson Memorial Hospital in the city’s health district.
$40,000 (in three separate contributions) from Miami-Dade Safe & Secure PC, a PAC that Ulvert used last year for the James Reyes campaign for sheriff
$25,000 from pharmaceutical heiress, Coral Gables resident and super blue donor Barbara Stiefel
$15,000 from real estate development firm PWV Group 1 Holdings, LLC, which manages the Miami Worldcenter site
$10,000 from developer Morgan Sirlin, vice president at Adler Development
$10,000 from LSN partners, a heavy hitting lobbying firm headed by Alex Heckler and Michael Llorente
$8,000 from four firms with the same address tied to Terra Development CEO David Martin
$5,000 from Alex Heckler as an individual
$5,000 from lobbyist Manuel “Manny” Prieguez, a former state rep
$5,000 from Alfonso Costa, COO of Falcone Group, which develops and manages mixed use projects

The bulk of expenditures have been $51,000 for consulting, production of campaign materials, outreach and staffing through Ulvert’s firms, $31,980 for direct mail, campaign materials and a digital buy through MDW Communications, or Michael Worley — who also conducted a poll last month — and $17,112 for fundraising and events.
The report also shows a reimbursement of $2,568 to Higgins and Maggie Fernandez, her chief of staff at the county, for airfare and accommodations and transportation for the Democratic Party’s Blue Gala. But it was at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, so they could have driven.
There are ten other candidates who have filed paperwork to run for mayor Nov. 4 election, including, most notably, former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Xavier Suarez. Commissioner Joe Carollo, former Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla — who was arrested in 2023 on public corruption charges that were dropped last year — are both threatening to run but haven’t filed anything And Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade Commission Raquel Regalado are rumored to be interested but playing possum.
Qualifying isn’t over until Sept. 20. But it’s enough a clown car already.

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A poll released by Eileen Higgins‘ own campaign says that the Miami-Dade commissioner is leading the other 10 candidates for Miami mayor by a lot. But there’s no way that anyone can win this clusterbunch election outright. There’s going to be a runoff.
And the only one close to Higgins, according to these numbers, is former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, who filed the lawsuit that killed the city’s move to change the election to next year and has gotten a lot of free press from it, helping to position himself as the hero that saved democracy in Miami.
Read related: First lawsuit filed to stop city of Miami from cancelling November election
Not everyone believes an internal poll, because, well, the questions may have been written a certain way and it is unlikely to be announced if the candidate’s numbers come out badly. This poll was announced two hours and 23 minutes before the campaign sent out a fundraising email. So, yeah. But a Higgins-Gonzalez face-off is not impossible. Higgins also enjoys free press from her incumbent position as the district 5 county commissioner and scored a 74% in name recognition, highest in the pack.
Higgins clocked in at 36% support — that’s 21 points ahead of González, who’s sitting at 15%.
In the crowded field, Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo — who hasn’t filed any paperwork but is threatening to run — and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Xavier Suarez, who has filed paperwork last month, polled at 11% and 7%, respectively. Both are former mayors with huge amounts of publicity. Former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell got about 12% and the rest of the candidates are either somewhere in the single digits or still introducing themselves to abuela at the bus stop.
Russell, in third place, sees something to celebrate. “When the dynasties aren’t even breaking the top three, we know that Miami is ready for change,” he told Political Cortadito.
Read related: Former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez to file for crowded city mayoral race
Higgins’ enviable name recognition ranks at 74%, with a net +18 favorability. González and Russell are liked by more people than not, but fewer voters know them. Carollo and Suarez? Well… voters know them all right. Just not in a good way.
“This has rapidly evolved into a two-person race, with Commissioner Higgins in a commanding position,” MDW wrote in the polling memo. We’ll see how “commanding” it looks after the attacks start flying.
The only politicians who rated more favorably than Higgins were Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Donald Trump.

The online survey by MDW Communications (read: Michael Worley), which has been retained by Higgins’ political committee, Ethical Leadership for Miami, which raised $250,000 in the last quarter reported (more on that later). It got 511 likely voters to respond between July 27 and Aug. 1. And yes, it included quick bios of all the candidates. (So everyone got a little PR moment.)
The sample, for you demographic nerds, 58% were Hispanic, 22% non-Hispanic white, 16% Black or Caribbean, and 4% “other.” A majority — 66% — were 55 or older.
And while it’s technically a non partisan race, those are ceasing to exist in the post Trump Miami-Dade. In the poll, Democrats accounted for 41% of the respondents, Republicans for 35% and NPAs or no-party voters for 24%. Higgins and Russell are Democrats. Carollo and Gonzalez are Republicans. Suarez is an NPA. A few other rumored Republican contenders — former Miami Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Congressman Carlos Gimenez and Miami-Dade Commissioner Raquel Regalado — were not included in the poll. Possibly because the rumors are not likely to play out.
The qualifying deadline is Sept. 20.
Read related: Courts killed Miami commission’s election shuffle, but city wants a do-over
The poll also asked about two hot issues:

On the commission’s boneheaded attempt to push the election to 2026 without asking voters first, which has been ruled unconstitutional by the courts — 79% of respondents opposed the date change, with 69% “strongly” opposed. Only 11% supported it, and 9% didn’t care. That’s a big ol’ “don’t even try that again” from Miami voters.
On the watered down proposal for lifetime term limits — which has a loophole cut for both Suarez and Joe Carollo, whose brother, former Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo, is running for his old seat — 71% said they’ll vote yes, 20% said no, and 9% are still thinking about it. That seems like a sure bet. City Commissioner Damian Pardo, who put it on the ballot, must be proud.

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