Facing Monday deadline, Miami commissioners agree on plan for replacing arrested colleague
Miami commissioners will allow the Nov. 7 election to decide who will fill the commission seat left vacant after the arrest and suspension of Alex Díaz de la Portilla as he faces corruption charges.
On Saturday, four commissioners voted unanimously to let the already-scheduled Nov. 7 general election decide who will be the next District 1 commissioner. Díaz de la Portilla faces bribery, money laundering and official misconduct charges after investigators say he sold his vote in exchange for $245,000 in political contributions.
The commission had until Monday to decide how to fill the empty seat, according to the city charter. The commissioners could have called a special election or appointed someone to represent District 1, which includes Allapattah, Spring Garden, the Health District and parts of Flagami and Little Havana.
“It is not my place to determine what is best for the citizens of District 1,” said Commission Chairwoman Christine King. “And I stand with having the general election serve as a special election.”
Five candidates qualified to run in District 1 by Saturday’s 6 p.m. deadline, including Díaz de la Portilla. A total of 15 candidates qualified to run in districts 1, 2, and 4.
Read more: Miami candidates call for end to City Hall ‘corruption’ as campaign season kicks off
This story was originally published September 23, 2023 at 10:08 PM.
