The City of Miami will likely face a legal battle with the state of Florida after city commissioners approved a motion to move the 2025 mayoral election to 2026.
The vote was 3-2 in favor of moving the election to November 2026 and extending the term of Mayor Francis Suarez, who has served since 2017, and city commissioners.
Suarez has served as an elected official since 2009, The Floridian reported.
However, 18 candidates for seats are now left in limbo. Before the vote on June 26, supporters said that holding the election in 2026 would put it with federal races and increase voter turnout, as well as save the city money.
Prospective Mayor Emilio T. Gonzalez and other critics said moving the election would undermine the will of Miami voters. Many spoke out that the change is illegal because city and county rules mandate that voter approval is necessary for any changes made to election dates.
“Home to thousands of patriotic Cuban Americans who know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power, the City of Miami owes to its citizens what the law requires,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis agreed that Miami’s city commissioners cannot rewrite the city’s rules.
“As the governor recently noted, it is our position that city of Miami politicians do not have the authority to cancel this year’s elections and extend their terms in office without voter approval,” Communication Director Bryan Griffin told The Floridian.
As mayor, Saurez can veto the change within 10 days of the vote, per city rules.
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Rebecca Barnabi
