Herald endorsement: Our pick for Florida House District 111 | Opinion
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Editorial Board’s General Election Endorsements
In advance of the upcoming general elections on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, the Editorial Board interviewed and researched 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.
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Two-term GOP incumbent state Rep. David Borrero cruised to reelection in 2022 with no opposition. But in a district where registered Republicans rank second among all voters, his Democratic Party opponent this year, immigration lawyer Laura F. Kelley, is counting on independent voters to gain the District 111 House seat.
Our choice is Kelley, 43, a self-described “Girl Scout mom” who grew up fully bilingual in Texas, moved for her husband’s work to Spain for several years and has lived in South Florida for the past 10. Now based in Doral, Kelley serves as the South Florida chapter president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association and sits on its national Board of Governors.
In a district where voter registration figures in 2024 show almost 39% of registered voters are of no party affiliation, followed by Republicans, then Democrats, Kelley has been working hard to court those independent voters on issues important to them.
Her priorities are lowering out-of-control property insurance rates; stopping the state’s overreach into local governments’ authority on growth plans; limiting short-term rentals and instituting growth policies to offer more affordable housing options.
Kelley is also focused on the impact of flooding on neighborhoods in Hialeah and Sweetwater, and would push for more state funding to improve storm drain systems.
Borrero, 35, did not respond to requests for an interview with the Herald Editorial Board.
Endorsed by former President Donald Trump — who hailed the state legislator as “100% MAGA” in a post on X — Borrero is in the construction business and previously served as a Sweetwater commissioner.
In Tallahassee, he’s sponsored divisive legislation.
He sponsored a bill to ban all abortions starting at conception except in cases to save the life of a pregnant woman. He pushed for a ban on the display of flags that depict “racial, sexual orientation and gender or political ideology viewpoints” at schools and government buildings — an apparent attempt to ban local government from flying the LGBTQ Pride flag. The ban covered even small flag pins people might wear at such public facilities.
With a GOP supermajority in the Florida House, Kelley’s proposals to improve the district’s quality of life cannot happen without a greater number of elected Democrats. Too many Republicans like Borrero seem more interested in fighting culture wars than focusing on bread-and-butter issues like affordability.
The Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses LAURA KELLEY for State House District 111.
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 18, 2024 at 3:32 PM.
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