Hialeah heads into most competitive election in over a decade. A look at the candidates
Hialeah is entering one of its most heated municipal elections in over a decade, with 18 candidates competing for five open seats, including the mayor’s office.
In a city that’s overwhelmingly Republican and predominantly of Cuban heritage, political differences hinge more on personal alliances than ideological divides. While many candidates have ties to the city’s political establishment, a few are running as anti-establishment voices hoping to shake up the status quo.
Running for mayor
After the resignation of Mayor Esteban “Steve” Bovo in April, Hialeah was plunged into political uncertainty. Jacqueline Garcia‑Roves, at the time City Council president, became interim mayor—making history as Hialeah’s first female chief executive. She now leads a field of five candidates. Originally, eight candidates filed, but that number has since dropped to five after two dropped out—including Miami‑Dade Commissioner René Garcia, once seen as the frontrunner—and another was disqualified over residency requirements.
Here are the mayoral candidates:
Jacqueline Garcia‑Roves: She entered politics in 2019 as part of a slate aligned with former Mayor Carlos Hernández. Her candidacy is buoyed by establishment support, including an endorsement from René Garcia. Garcia‑Roves, 43, became interim mayor through the succession protocol, and raised $69,200 in her first campaign finance report (April–June), drawing from real estate, entertainment, restaurant and legal sectors.
A mother and homeschooler, she is following in the footsteps of her late father, Bernardo Garcia‑Roves, a respected local political advisor. She promises to ease Hialeah’s notoriously high water and sewer fees—among the highest in Miami‑Dade County. Notably, last year as council vice president, she publicly opposed a $2.5 billion county debt referendum, speaking on behalf of Bovo’s administration. Reelected unopposed in 2023, Garcia‑Roves was chosen council president in 2024—setting the stage for her interim appointment.
Jesus Tundidor: He is seen as both a rising star and a product of political pragmatism. He was elected to the Hialeah City Council in 2019—the same year as Jackie Garcia-Roves—but was not part of her political team. Over time—especially during Bovo’s administration—he moved closer to the establishment. Well known within local political circles, Tundidor, 34, was reelected unopposed in 2023. He was expected to be Bovo’s successor—but when René Garcia entered the race, the former mayor’s expected endorsement fell through. But Garcia withdrew and backed Garcia‑Roves, exposing cracks in establishment unity.
With a background that includes working as an aide to Garcia when he was a state senator and serving as vice chair of Hialeah’s Planning and Zoning Board, Tundidor has raised more than $280,000—far outpacing all other mayoral candidates. His campaign is heavily backed by donors from the real estate, construction, and hospitality industries. Tundidor spearheaded an affordable housing task force aimed at increasing the number of low-cost units in new high-rise developments. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and MBA from Florida International University and works as as an operation director in the health industry.
Bryan Calvo: Once a council member, Calvo, 27, who made history in 2021 as the city’s youngest-ever elected official at age 23 left his position to run for Miami-Dade tax collector in 2024, but lost. During his term, he was a vocal critic of Mayor Bovo on multiple fronts, even filing a lawsuit against him that was later dismissed. Running as an outsider, Calvo has raised just over $14,000, with another $49,000 in self-loans. His platform includes slashing government bureaucracy, repealing pensions and reducing water costs. He previously proposed electronic water meters and the elimination of water franchise fees—originally rejected under Bovo, who later suspended the $3.8 million franchise fee. Calvo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Government with a Language Citation in Italian from Harvard University, and a law degree from Florida International University.
Bernardino “Benny” Rodriguez: He is running for mayor with a vision to build a “better Hialeah” through strong foundations and smart, sustainable growth. Rodriguez, 79, aims to revitalize the local economy by bringing back key industries and establishing scholarship programs for Hialeah’s brightest students. Rodriguez, holds an Associate in Arts degree from Miami Dade College and describes himself as a lifelong public servant. If elected, he has pledged not to accept a salary, emphasizing his commitment to service over personal gain. His campaign platform centers on transparency in government, stricter financial audits, and a zero-tolerance stance on crime.
Marc Anthony Salvat: A real estate entrepreneur and digital influencer, Salvat, 31, campaigns on reducing water/sewer bills, cutting property taxes without harming services, and promoting affordable housing. He has also said that he would legalize the efficiencies according to Hialeah code enforcement.
Council races: A seat-by-seat breakdown
Hialeah, with an official population of over 250,000, does not use electoral districts, granting candidates flexibility in where they run, leading to strategic seat-switching as candidates position themselves for the best shot at winning or growing political influence. This year, five of the 13 original council candidates switched seats at the last minute, enabling an incumbent, Carl Zogby to secure Seat 5 unopposed after Christopher Monzon shifted to Seat 6.
The candidates running for council range in age from 20 to 87. While many do not hold formal degrees, several have long histories of service in Hialeah as employees or business owners.
Seat 3: A vacancy and three women
Three women are vying for Seat 3, left open when Garcia‑Roves became interim mayor. Despite the option to fill the seat by appointment, the six remaining council members failed to agree after two special meetings.
The candidates:
Kassandra Montandon: She runs several education initiatives, including a financial literacy program that helps low- to moderate-income Miami-Dade Public School and Miami Dade College students. Montandon, 29, holds an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology from Miami Dade College and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from FIU. She says she wants to empower her community through accessible financial education. Montandon is affiliated with Garcia-Roves.
- Gelien Perez: The former human resources director for the city she came under an ethics scrutiny for allegedly using her public role to advance her private real estate business. Between 2018 and 2020, the Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust investigated claims that Perez’s real estate clients—who were also city employees—received substantial raises while under her supervision. The commission found evidence of overlapping interests. Perez has previously applied for interim council appointments since 2024, but this marks her first official run for office. Perez, 35, is aligned with Tundidor’s political slate.
Montandon and Perez originally filed to run for seat 4, but before the qualification process ended on July 28, both changed to seat 3.
Jessica Castillo: A politIcal newcomer, Castillo, 37, is running her first campaign for public office. She says she believes it’s “as important as ever to be involved in local government.” Her platform centers on transparency, accountability and giving residents a stronger voice at City Hall. Her top priorities include improving traffic flow, upgrading infrastructure, enhancing public safety, and lowering property taxes. Castillo said she doesn’t feel represented by the current city leadership. “As a millennial who has grown up in this city, I feel more people my age—and even younger—should be more engaged, involved, and represented in making our city a better place for us, our seniors, and especially our youth,” she said.
Seat 4: The most contested race
Five candidates are competing for Seat 4—widely considered the most contentious and unpredictable race this election cycle. The seat became vacant after Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco was indicted by the FBI in June 2024 on federal healthcare fraud charges. Gov. Ron DeSantis suspended her the following month, and the City Council appointed Melinda De La Vega to temporarily fill the position.
Pacheco’s trial is scheduled to begin in November. If acquitted, she would be legally entitled to return to her seat, which remains hers until the end of the term in November 2027.
Rather than running to complete that term, De La Vega chose to pursue Seat 6, leaving Seat 4 wide open—and further intensifying what is already a high-stakes race.
The candidates are:
Mariana Chavez: The youngest candidate running, Chavez, 20, said she believes Hialeah is in need of “reshaping and bettering,” pointing to issues like high water bills and poor infrastructure. “There are potholes everywhere,” she said, naming it as one of the city’s most neglected problems. Chavez is running independently, not aligned with any mayoral candidate. “One of my goals is to be able to get the youth to come out and vote,” she said. She is studying communications at St. Thomas University. Chavez is also involved in Bobcats for Life, a pro-life student organization. She dismissed concerns about her age, saying it shouldn’t be seen as a disadvantage. “Many people who’ve been on the council are older, and they have experience—but that doesn’t mean it’s a good experience,” she said. “We have a lot to bring to the table.”
William Marrero: He filed to run for Seat 4 at the last minute after initially planning to serve only in an interim capacity for Seat 3, prior to Garcia-Roves announcing her mayoral bid. Marrero previously served as an aide to Council Member Luis Rodriguez for more than three years. Marrero, 21, was at the center of the deadlock in City Hall earlier this year, as the council failed to reach an agreement on who should be appointed to temporarily fill the Seat 3 vacancy left by Garcia-Roves—ultimately leaving the seat open until the upcoming election. Marrero is pursuing a public administration degree at FIU after earning an associate’s degree in Public Policy and Services.
Juan Santana: A longtime resident advocate who has previously run for mayor twice— in 2013 and 2017— Santana, 42, has applied for interim council appointments on at least three occasions. He is campaigning on a platform of government transparency, expanding affordable housing for working families and reducing the cost of trash collection and water bills. Santana has a high school diploma and currently serves as vice president of Positive Hits Community Service Group South, a nonprofit that provides support to low-income residents in Hialeah.
Javier Morejon: The former chairman of the Hialeah Beautification Board and Vice-Chair of the Historic Preservation Board, Morejon, 34, is running after two attempts to become an interim council member. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public administration and works as a business developer, land-use specialist and city surveyor in Miami Gardens. His political agenda focuses on beautifying Hialeah through greener public spaces, reducing costs for essential city services, supporting public safety with better resources, restoring transparency and accountability at City Hall, and repairing critical infrastructure like streets and drainage to address flooding and potholes.
Phillip Kennedy: The former Hialeah police officer served for 28 years, retiring at the rank of lieutenant. Kennedy, 55, is currently an officer with the Miccosukee Police Department. In January, he was involved in a controversial incident at the Naples Pier, where witnesses reported seeing him strike a child with a belt. He was arrested by the Naples Police Department and released on a $10,000 bond. Following the incident, Kennedy was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to a statement from the Miccosukee Police Department reported by Naples News. The Herald attempted to reach Kennedy for comment but he did not respond.
Seat 6: Two incumbents face off
The race for Seat 6 is one of the most unexpected matchups this election, with two current council members running against each other, the result of shifting appointments, resignations and strategic calculations.
Melinda De La Vega: She was appointed to Seat 4 in July 2024 after Councilwoman Angelica Pacheco was suspended following an FBI indictment for healthcare fraud. Rather than seek to complete that term, De La Vega, 39, is now pursuing a full four-year term by running for Seat 6. She holds a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration and human resources. She serves as vice president of the Hialeah Lions Club, a nonprofit that supports elderly residents, people with special needs and families in crisis. She has also served on the Hialeah Historic Preservation Board. She said she is running to make sure the city continues to be the desired city for families to raise their children. She is a mother of two girls. She is affiliated with Jesus Tundidor’s political slate.
Juan Junco: He was appointed to the council in 2024 to fill the vacancy left by Bryan Calvo. Junco, 87, made history as the oldest council member ever sworn into office in Hialeah. A longtime figure in city government, Junco previously served on the Charter Review Committee in 2019 and as a commissioner for the Hialeah Housing Authority from 2018-22. When appointed seven months ago, Junco said he had no intention of running for office—but before the qualification deadline, he filed to run for Seat 6, setting up a rare contest between two sitting council members. He is aligned with interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves’ slate.
Christopher Monzon: He is making his second attempt at winning a council seat after losing in 2021. Monzon, 29, gained national attention in 2022 when he was violently attacked while canvassing in Hialeah. He said the attack was politically motivated; at the time, he was campaigning for then-U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and wearing a Rubio T-shirt and a Ron DeSantis hat.
Monzon is studying Business Administration at Miami Dade College. He initially filed to run against incumbent Carl Zogby in Seat 5, but switched to Seat 6 at the last minute—clearing the way for Zogby’s unopposed re-election. Monzon said he’s running again because the same problems he saw in his first campaign four years ago remain. “We have neglected streets, trash piling up, closed parks, overdevelopment, traffic and irresponsible planning,” he said. He’s calling for more green spaces, better maintenance, stricter enforcement of illegal dumping laws, and the revitalization of city programs for children—especially those that involve school partnerships and public parks.
Seat 7: Incumbency vs. upset
Luis Rodriguez: First elected four years ago as part of then-Mayor Bovo’s slate, Rodriguez, 51, positioned himself as an advocate for city parks. However, during his term, he voted in favor of expanding a charter school onto public parkland, drawing criticism from some residents. Rodriguez is a director of sales at Auto Value Parts Stores and currently serves as council president. Though he is considered part of the political establishment aligned with interim Mayor Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, he maintains he is not officially tied to any slate
Abdel Jimenez: The attorney and former police officer of Miami Springs is making his second run for Hialeah City Council after a previous campaign in 2021. He earned his law degree from the University of Miami and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. A former member of the city’s Planning & Zoning Board, Jimenez, 45, runs his own law firm and brings legal and law enforcement experience to his candidacy. He is challenging Rodriguez in the race and says his goals as councilman include passing fair and balanced legislation, streamlining the building permit process, lowering water bills, and bringing trash collection services back under city control, rather than relying on private companies.
This story was originally published August 15, 2025 at 5:30 AM.
