Meet the candidates for city of Miami mayor and commission. What they told us
City of Miami residents will elect a mayor and two city commissioners on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
We asked the 24 candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here’s how they responded:
Miami mayor
Why are you running for office?
Laura Anderson: No response received.
Elijah John Bowdre: No response received.
Joe Carollo: No response received.
Christian E. Cevallos: I have been serving my community for many years, before even being elected as [a Miami-Dade County Community Council] councilman in 2018 and reelected in 2020. The city has had too many scandals and problematic politicians who have not attached crucial sectors of our city. Business owners need help, homeowners against bad HOA, we’ve lost business and tourism that generates revenue.
Alyssa Crocker: I’m running to restore accountability, protect families and build a Miami where every community has a seat at the table. As a mother and advocate, I’ve fought for reforms in Tallahassee. Now, I want to bring that same honesty, resilience and fiscal responsibility to City Hall — putting people over politics.
Kenneth James DeSantis: I’m running for mayor because Miami is at a turning point. We deserve leadership free of corruption and bold enough to build a fairer, safer and more resilient city. One where prosperity grows, families feel safe and innovation drives Miami to thrive for generations.
Alex Díaz de la Portilla: No response received.
Emilio T. González: Miami needs leadership that restores accountability, affordability and trust. As a veteran, a federal and municipal leader, and financial manager, I will fight corruption, cut waste, lower costs and ensure government works for families. When politicians tried to cancel our election, I fought and won for the people’s voice.
Michael A. Hepburn: To lower the cost of living for working class Miamians. I will implement 44 policy initiatives to address five core areas. We will rehab and develop affordable housing; improve Miami’s resilience to sea level rise; stand up against corruption; enhance our neighborhoods and public safety measures; and uplift our children and seniors.
Eileen Higgins: I love this city, and I’m running to make government work for residents again by delivering results, not excuses. My county track record proves it: I cut through bureaucracy to accelerate affordable housing, expand transportation and create green spaces. Our families deserve leadership that works for the people, and that’s what I bring.
Ken Russell: I originally ran for office after organizing my neighborhood and pushing the city to clean up a contaminated park. I was elected commissioner twice and wrote the strongest laws to protect our environment and provide affordable housing. I’m now running for mayor to clean up City Hall. Miami’s corruption keeps us from solving our issues.
June Savage: To better the lives and the city’s infrastructure and environment. I was born and raised in Miami. Knowing I am not a politician or someone’s proxy, I am detached from lobbyists and developers, therefore I can make the proper decisions.
Xavier L. Suarez: I have worked hard for Miamians in the last four decades using my skills in law, economics and engineering to improve services, reduce taxes, provide free public transportation, and affordable housing to those in workforce and elderly.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Laura Anderson: No response received.
Elijah John Bowdre: No response received.
Joe Carollo: No response received.
Christian E. Cevallos: I am a very active candidate, have visited more than 2,000 small businesses. I have worked with over 200 organizations and foundations. I am a business administrator and economist who has managed his own company for 13 years and have a considerable amount of experience as an administrator that the others don’t.
Alyssa Crocker: I bring lived experience, proven legislative results and a record of fighting powerful interests on behalf of families. Unlike career politicians, I know firsthand the stakes of housing instability, corruption and rising costs. I’ll lead with transparency, fiscal discipline, and a relentless focus on making Miami affordable and accountable.
Kenneth James DeSantis: I bring fresh leadership and a lifelong commitment to justice to Miami. As an attorney, I’ve defended individuals and small businesses and bring that dedication into public service — addressing corruption by building systems to prevent waste, ensuring better flooding infrastructure and unlocking Miami’s full potential with transparency.
Alex Díaz de la Portilla: No response received.
Emilio T. González: With 26 years of service in the U.S. Army, leadership at the federal and county levels, and experience as Miami’s city manager, I bring proven success and true independence. I will not bend to special interests or bureaucrats. My agenda is clear: cut property taxes, expand childcare and healthcare, boost safety, and clean up City Hall.
Michael A. Hepburn: I am not a millionaire, recycled elected official, and I do not have a political dynasty family last name. But I am a business executive and civic advocate that has served on multiple civic and government advisory boards; managed thousands of employees, oversaw multi-million-dollar budgets, and effectively led in multi-billion-dollar organizations.
Eileen Higgins: As county commissioner, I’ve delivered: thousands of affordable housing units built, transit options expanded, millions invested in small businesses and the state’s strongest fertilizer protections passed. What sets me apart? I cut through bureaucracy to get things done with integrity, transparency, and results Miamians can see and feel.
Ken Russell: I have created hundreds of millions of dollars for affordable housing without raising taxes. I have testified against our own corrupt politicians. Now they are in this race against me. I have the ethics and leadership to bring Miami into a prosperous future for our existing residents and not just those who come from afar.
June Savage: I am a perfectionist and not attached to lobbyists or developers. I have international business experience along with high level management and negotiation skills. I am boots on the ground. I stay true to my promises and speak truth.
Xavier L. Suarez: The experience and the courage to resist special interests while always voting for the common good. My record includes bringing major sports franchises like the Heat, Marlins and Panthers; building police substations; crafting the SMART Plan; winning single-member district reforms; and funding after-school programs with private dollars.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Laura Anderson: No response received.
Elijah John Bowdre: No response received.
Joe Carollo: No response received.
Christian E. Cevallos: Defense against bad HOA, affordable housing and business owners help and guidance to obtain fast permits, financial tools
Alyssa Crocker: Miami’s greatest crisis is housing affordability, which drives inequality and displacement. We must expand attainable housing, enforce transparency and protect families from being priced out — while tackling flooding and corruption with fiscal responsibility to secure a resilient future.
Kenneth James DeSantis: The most pressing issue is creating safer neighborhoods, reducing traffic through better transit options, and fostering real economic growth that lifts Miamians’ incomes and prosperity. Addressing these together will strengthen quality of life and opportunity across our community.
Alex Díaz de la Portilla: No response received.
Emilio T. González: Affordability is serious. Families are struggling with rising costs while City Hall wastes millions. Affordability is more than housing; we need policies that promote small businesses so people can work and live in Miami. By fixing the permitting process, I’ll make it easier for small businesses to grow, create jobs and enhance neighborhoods.
Michael A. Hepburn: Our city has been governed in a way that incentivizes unethical behavior and rewards our elected leaders to operate as if they are above the law. I am in this fight to lower the cost of living for working class families. I don’t get pushed around by anybody and my administration will STAND UP to special interests — instead of being coerced by them.
Eileen Higgins: Affordability and trust in government. Residents are being priced out while City Hall fails them. As mayor, I’ll accelerate affordable housing, support small businesses and cut costs by eliminating waste. Restoring trust means delivering results, not excuses, through mandatory ethics training for all city staff to ensure accountability.
Ken Russell: Our inability to address the affordable housing crisis due to internal corruption is our greatest issue.
June Savage: There are many issues. Government waste, infrastructure, environment, safety
Xavier L. Suarez: Right now it’s affordability, with more than 50% of all residents spending over 70% of disposable income on housing and transportation. There is also a cry for reform and that includes adding commission districts and holding elections in even years. And there is tension with state and county governments on issues like transit-oriented development and statutes like Live Local that take away zoning powers from local governments.
Miami Commissioner District 3
Why are you running for office?
Oscar Elio Alejandro: I’m running because our city needs leadership characterized by action and accountability. I aim to bring a fresh perspective to the City Commission, addressing the pressing issues of affordable housing, economic opportunity and public safety through genuine collaboration with the community.
Yvonne Alexandria Bayona: I am running for city commissioner of District 3 to protect our neighborhoods, improve city services and ensure responsible growth. My priority is transparent, accountable leadership that puts residents first and keeps our community affordable, safe and thriving for all.
Brenda Maribel Betancourt: No response received.
Frank Carollo: Because I can make a difference! I would bring experience and institutional knowledge to a commission that averages approximately over 1.5 years of experience. As a native Miamian who loves his city, I look forward to the possibility of working with new colleagues and focusing on putting residents first, delivering results and making a difference.
Rolando Escalona: Miami gave me opportunities, from arriving as a young immigrant to building a career and raising a family here. I’m running to give back by making District 3 safer, more affordable and more connected, so every resident can thrive in the community we love. Together, we can ensure Miami’s future is brighter for the next generation.
Denise Galvez Turros: I’m running because I’m tired of watching my city be torn apart by corrupt and legacy politicians who don’t listen. I plan to continue to clean up City Hall same as I did when I had the city attorney removed. And I plan to fight to preserve the neighborhoods I love in my district.
Robert Franklin (Rob) Piper III: After nearly 10 years of civic service and participation, I realized that these are the foundation of our democracy and a step toward getting corruption out of Miami. I couldn’t think of a more perfect manifestation of this than volunteering to run for elected office. And with this campaign, I hope to forge a clearer path for others to follow.
Fayez Tanous: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Oscar Elio Alejandro: As a veteran who’s transitioned to civilian life in Miami, I understand the barriers many residents face. My service taught me accountability, unity and results-driven leadership. I’ll use that experience to ensure every neighborhood is safe, every voice is heard and every family has a fair chance to thrive.
Yvonne Alexandria Bayona: With 25 years as a community activist and 59 years living in District 3, I offer deep roots, proven dedication and transparent leadership to protect affordability, improve services and preserve our neighborhoods while ensuring responsible growth.
Brenda Maribel Betancourt: No response received.
Frank Carollo: When seeking elected office, being well-intentioned is not enough. Tools are needed. I bring 30+ years of experience as a CPA, auditor and former fraud detective. These unique skills are essential for the one requirement that the commission must do — pass a balanced budget. Additionally, as the former commissioner, I have a record of delivering results.
Rolando Escalona: I bring lived experience, leadership and a deep commitment to service. While working in restaurants, earning my degree and managing teams, I learned hard work and accountability. I’ll use those values to balance city budgets, manage teams, engage with residents and prioritize services.
Denise Galvez Turros: I’ve actually fought corruption, protected our neighborhoods and delivered real results in the city.
Robert Franklin (Rob) Piper III: I am HERE TO SERVE. My life is about service, first in the Marines, then as a community volunteer since retiring in 2016. My mission since then has been to inform, engage and empower voters to bring more accountable, transparent, responsive, efficient and effective government. Whether I win or not, my dedication to this mission will not change.
Fayez Tanous: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Oscar Elio Alejandro: The most pressing issue is the lack of affordable housing. Too many working families are being priced out of their own neighborhoods. We need policies that protect residents, expand housing options and ensure working-class families can build a stable future.
Yvonne Alexandria Bayona: The most pressing issue facing District 3 is housing affordability and neighborhood preservation. Families and seniors are being priced out, while overdevelopment threatens the character of our historic communities. My priority is ensuring responsible growth, protecting residents from displacement, and keeping it affordable and livable for all.
Brenda Maribel Betancourt: No response received.
Frank Carollo: Miami’s Disrict 3 is very diverse, and each neighborhood has their own pressing issues. Whether it’s speeding through the neighborhoods of Shenandoah and the Roads to affordability and cleanliness in Little Havana, and flooding and quality of life issues in Brickell, the common denominator is that all abilities to fund solutions stem from the budget.
Rolando Escalona: Trust in government and taking on the corruption that continues to bring chaos to City Hall. As an outsider, I pledge to reconnect with residents through monthly community conversations. And just like the county has its online checkbook, I will propose that the city do the same with salary information.
Denise Galvez Turros: The rising cost of living but especially in north and east Little Havana.
Robert Franklin (Rob) Piper III: Poor goverance is the most pressing issue. That is why my campaign platform (found at www.robpiperheretoserve.com) has seven pillars that complement one another to solve that issue: Revenue and Affordability, Ethics and Transparency, Sovereignty Protection, Public Safety, Engagement Tools, Climate Resiliency, and Traffic Calming and Transit Expansion.
Fayez Tanous: No response received.
Miami Commissioner District 5
Why are you running for office?
Marion K Brown: No response received.
Frederick Bryant: No response received.
Christine King: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Marion K Brown: No response received.
Frederick Bryant: No response received.
Christine King: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Marion K Brown: No response received.
Frederick Bryant: No response received.
Christine King: No response received.
This story was originally published October 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM.