Meet the candidates for Hialeah mayor and council. Here’s what they have to say
Hialeah residents will elect a mayor and four city council members on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
We asked the 17 candidates where they stood on key issues facing the city. Here’s how they responded:
Hialeah Mayor
Why are you running for office?
Bryan Calvo: I’m running for mayor to bring real change to Hialeah. For too long, career politicians have raised taxes, wasted money and ignored residents. I’ll cut waste, lower water bills, fight corruption and make our city government work for the people.
Jackie Garcia-Roves: I grew up in Hialeah witnessing my father help countless people. His example inspired me to want to serve. I know that as mayor I can find real solutions. For example, in just a few months, I was able to eliminate the water franchise fee permanently, an annual savings of $3.7 million for residents, something no other mayor had done.
Benny Rodriguez: No response received.
Marc Anthony Salvat: To maintain more money in the pockets of residents and protect the American dream in the city of Hialeah.
Jesus Tundidor: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Bryan Calvo: I’m a Harvard graduate and attorney who has fought and won for Hialeah families. As councilman I opposed tax hikes, cut waste and sued to fix 911 failures. Born and raised here, I came back because I love Hialeah and want to build a better future for our city.
Jackie Garcia-Roves: I uniquely understand the challenges Hialeah families face. I’ve shown that I’m committed to tackling them head-on. I’m the only candidate with a detailed plan, that I’m implementing, to address the cost of water and sewer. I’m also laser-focused on lowering taxes, while not sacrificing public safety, and improving services.
Benny Rodriguez: No response received.
Marc Anthony Salvat: The fact that I am not a politician, I don’t owe anyone any political favors, nor am I interested in a salary nor pension. I’m interested in solving the problems Hialeah has, problems that no politician can solve, because politicians are focused on the next election. I am not focused on the next election, I am focused on the next generation.
Jesus Tundidor: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Bryan Calvo: Hialeah families are paying too much while getting too little. Water bills are sky high, taxes keep going up and services are broken. The most pressing issue is affordability, and I’ll bring real relief by cutting waste and putting residents first.
Jackie Garcia-Roves: Without a doubt, lowering the cost of water and sewer is the most pressing challenge. I’m currently fighting Miami-Dade on their defective meter that’s been measuring air as water, overbilling Hialeah to the tune of $18 million. I’m also working with the state to end the reverse osmosis plant. It would mean a savings of $35 million for Hialeah.
Benny Rodriguez: No response received.
Marc Anthony Salvat: The raising water bills, raising tax bills, mismanagement of funds, safety of our community and more.
Jesus Tundidor: No response received.
Hialeah Councilmember Group III
Why are you running for office?
Jessica Castillo: No response received.
Kassandra Y. Montandon: Hialeah is where I was born and raised, and where I learned the value of hard work, community and heart. I’m running to bring honest, compassionate leadership, a new voice that supports families, lowers property taxes, expands financial literacy, and builds a stronger, brighter future for us all.
Gelien Perez: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Jessica Castillo: No response received.
Kassandra Y. Montandon: With years of community service, leadership in financial literacy initiatives, work with the Future Bankers Camp, and as secretary of MDCPS Academy of Finance, I bring proven experience, integrity and compassion to Hialeah City Council to serve families and build opportunities.
Gelien Perez: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Jessica Castillo: No response received.
Kassandra Y. Montandon: The most pressing issue in Hialeah is ensuring financial stability for families while fostering opportunity. Rising property taxes, limited financial literacy and barriers for small businesses put residents under pressure. I will promote fiscal responsibility, expand financial education and support local businesses.
Gelien Perez: No response received.
Hialeah Councilmember Group IV
Why are you running for office?
Mariana V. Chavez: I’m running for office because I want to make a real difference in my community and give a voice to the next generation. As part of Gen Z, I understand the challenges young people face, and I believe our ideas and energy can bring positive change to issues that matter most — education, safety and opportunity for all.
Phillip Kennedy: No response received.
William “Willie” Marrero: I am running for Hialeah City Council because I care deeply about our city and want to make government work for the people. Too many residents struggle with high water and sewer costs, and poor roads. I want to bring common-sense leadership that focuses on results, accountability and improving the quality of life for every family in Hialeah.
Javier Morejon: I was born and raised in Hialeah. I have seen firsthand how our city has changed. Families are struggling with rising service costs, aging infrastructure and a lack of transparency at City Hall. I am running because I believe Hialeah deserves leadership that puts residents first and delivers real solutions.
Juan Santana: I’m running for City Council, Group 4, to protect Hialeah residents from rising property taxes, gentrification and displacement. For 18 years, I’ve served our community through Positive Hits Community Service Group, and I will fight for seniors, working families, and a stronger, fairer future for Hialeah. #Santanaknows
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Mariana V. Chavez: I’m the best candidate for this position because I genuinely care about serving my community and have experience bringing people together to make things happen. I’m dedicated, transparent and focused on creating real solutions — not just promises. My goal is to represent everyone fairly and ensure every voice is heard.
Phillip Kennedy: No response received.
William “Willie” Marrero: I have hands-on experience serving our community, having worked for Councilman Luis Rodriguez and Senator Rene Garcia. I’ve helped residents solve problems and navigate city services. I bring fresh energy, a strong work ethic and a deep commitment to the people of Hialeah.
Javier Morejon: As a lifelong resident, I understand the challenges our community faces every day. As a professional land surveyor, I bring both private and public sector experience. Along with my degree in public administration and certificate in project management, I am prepared to make government accountable, efficient and focused on the needs of our residents.
Juan Santana: I am the best candidate for City Council, Group 4, because I have dedicated over 18 years to serving Hialeah residents through Positive Hits Community Service Group. I understand the struggles of seniors, families and homeowners, and I bring proven leadership, community experience and a clear vision to protect and improve our city.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Mariana V. Chavez: The most pressing issue facing our community is the lack of accessible summer camps and after-school programs for children. Families deserve affordable, safe and enriching options that keep kids engaged, learning and supported year-round. Investing in these programs means investing in our future.
Phillip Kennedy: No response received.
William “Willie” Marrero: The rising cost of living is the most pressing issue facing Hialeah. Many families and seniors are struggling to keep up with water and sewer rates. I will work to reduce costs, make city services more efficient and ensure residents see real value for their tax dollars.
Javier Morejon: The rising cost of basic city services combined with failing infrastructure are pressing matters that continue to be neglected. Residents are paying for more but not seeing improvements in water quality, drainage, tree coverage and police presence. “Spot” zoning hurts our single-family neighborhoods and cause traffic due to undeveloped roads.
Juan Santana: The most pressing issue in Hialeah is the rising cost of living, especially skyrocketing property taxes, insurance rates and rents that are forcing families, seniors and longtime residents out of their homes. We must address affordability to protect our community from gentrification and displacement.
Hialeah Councilmember Group VI
Why are you running for office?
Melinda De La Vega: I’ve lived in Hialeah my whole life, and my husband and I are now raising our family here. I love this community, and I want to bring honesty, integrity and real solutions to the council. For me, this isn’t about politics, it’s about the quality of life for our families, keeping Hialeah beautiful and making sure our city continues to be prosperous.
Juan F. Junco: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Melinda De La Vega: I believe I’m the best choice for Group 6 because I listen directly to residents and turn their concerns into action. I’ve already passed ordinances that lower costs and improve quality of life for our community. My focus is on results, integrity and building a better future for Hialeah families.
Juan F. Junco: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Melinda De La Vega: The most vocalized issue by the community right now is the cost and quality of our water system. Families feel it every month, and it impacts their budgets and quality of life. That’s why I’ve already worked on ordinances to reduce the burden on residents, and I will continue fighting for fair, sustainable solutions that put our residents first.
Juan F. Junco: No response received.
Hialeah Councilmember Group VII
Why are you running for office?
Abdel Jimenez: As an attorney I have helped many people throughout my career; I truly enjoy helping others and I care about people. Serving the residents of Hialeah with my legal expertise is my way of giving back to the community. I want to make sure that the residents of Hialeah receive justice and fairness in the council.
Luis Rodriguez: No response received.
What makes you the best candidate for the position you are seeking?
Abdel Jimenez: I have many years of legal expertise, I served on the Hialeah Planning & Zoning Board for three years, and I am an approachable and reasonable person who is willing to work with others for the betterment of the community. I have no political ties to anyone else in government; I am here for the people.
Luis Rodriguez: No response received.
What is the most pressing issue facing the community you wish to represent?
Abdel Jimenez: We don’t have assigned districts for councilmen. If we don’t have districts, we don’t have accountability. If I am councilman for District 7 and it covers West Hialeah, then those residents know who to come to for help; the people need to be listened to and attended to better. Councilmen should not forget that they are public servants.
Luis Rodriguez: No response received.