Herald recommends: Young newcomer has common-sense solutions to local concerns | Editorial
.png "Gabriel Gonzalez (left) is running against Juan Carlos Porras in the race for Florida House District 119")
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Editorial Board November 2022 Election Recommendations
In advance of local and state elections, the Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on various issues and how their policies will affect their constituents. The goal is to give voters a better idea of who’s the best candidate for each race. Read our November 2022 recommendations below:
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The Editorial Board did not endorse either of this district’s winning candidates in the August primary.
The contest to fill an open seat to represent parts of unincorporated Miami-Dade, West Kendall, Country Walk and The Crossings is down to Juan Carlos Porras, a Republican operative turned business owner who survived a five-candidate primary; and Democrat Gabriel Gonzalez, 22 and a recent Columbia University graduate.
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Gonzalez says he has learned the political ropes through his experience as a Miami-Dade Youth Commissioner for District 11 and as an intern for former Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan C. Zapata; he is also active in several local Democratic clubs.
Gonzalez was interviewed by the Board, which endorsed his opponent, attorney Juan Cueva, who lost in the primary. Gonzalez won nearly 56% of the vote.
Porras did not take part in the Board’s candidate interview. He won the five-way Republican primary, garnering 48% of the vote in his crowded race.
Porras was first elected to the local Republican Executive Committee at age 18. Within four years, he was its executive committeeman. He became a constituent-service representative for U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and was a district aide for State Rep. Juan Fernandez-Barquin. He also worked as a legislative aide for GOP State Reps. Alex Rizo and Spencer Roach.
On his website, he says he believes in “educational choice, individual freedom and lowering taxes for the elder community.”
Gonzalez is also a promising newcomer who would be a fresh young voice in Tallahassee. A former Miami Herald Silver Knight winner, Gonzalez is a recent Columbia University graduate. He hasn’t had time to find employment; his first job has been his first run for public office.
Gonzalez bristles at the mention that he does not have enough experience; he counts as experience his years of community and LGBTQ activism and service as a member of the Youth Commission.
For Gonzalez, climate change and tighter, common-sense gun control are prime issues. “Measures such as increasing background checks and instituting longer waiting periods, and banning assault weapons in the wake of the 2018 Parkland shooting are a cornerstone of my advocacy . . . and an issue that is really close to my heart,” Gonzalez told the Board. He was in high school himself when the Broward school massacre occurred.
He supports the need to restore women’s reproductive rights and create affordable housing. he wants to bolster school safety and leave classroom teaching to teachers. He cited Florida’s teacher shortage and inconsistent access to healthcare as points of concern.
Gonzalez also vows to oppose transgender sports bans and the “Don’t say gay” mandates.
For his vision of creating a better Florida for everyone, the Miami Herald Editorial Board recommends GABRIEL GONZALEZ for the House District 119.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWho decides the political endorsements?
In advance of local and state elections, Miami Herald Editorial Board members interview political candidates, as well as advocates and opponents of ballot measures. The Editorial Board is composed of experienced opinion journalists and is independent of the Herald’s newsroom. Members of the Miami Herald Editorial Board are: Amy Driscoll, editorial page editor; and editorial writers Isadora Rangel and Mary Anna Mancuso. Read more by clicking the arrow in the upper right.
What does the endorsement process look like?
The Miami Herald Editorial Board interviews political candidates to better understand their views on public policy and how their policies will affect their constituents. Board members do additional reporting and research to learn as much as possible about the candidates before making an endorsement. The Editorial Board then convenes to discuss the candidates in each race. Board members seek to reach a consensus on the endorsements, but not every decision is unanimous. Candidates who decline to be interviewed will not receive an endorsement.
Is the Editorial Board partisan?
No. In making endorsements, members of the Editorial Board consider which candidates are better prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with our editorial stances or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, readiness for office, depth of knowledge of key issues and understanding of public policy. We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points.
This story was originally published October 12, 2022 at 9:24 AM.
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