Herald endorsement: Our pick for Miami-Dade’s 11th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Group 29 | Opinion
READ MORE
Miami Herald Editorial Board’s 2024 Election Endorsements
In advance of the upcoming primary elections on Aug. 20, 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.
Expand All
The race for 11th Circuit Court Judge Group 29 features two young Miami-based lawyers who have dreamed of taking the bench for a long time.
Both run their own firms in Miami, but the Herald Editorial Board’s endorsement goes to Heloiza Correa, who has a more diverse legal experience than opponent Cristobal David Padron.
Correa, a 2009 University of Miami School of Law graduate, has practiced both civil and criminal law, which is important. Circuit courts in Florida handle all criminal and civil matters, including family law, juvenile delinquency and dependency, mental health, probate, guardianship, and civil matters over $50,000. Most jury trials in the state take place before circuit judges.
Correa, 39, began her career in the Miami-Dade County State Attorney’s Office, where she spent three and a half years. With 80 of her cases going to court every two weeks, she handled misdemeanors and four murder cases. She has participated in 32 criminal jury trials and one in civil court.
After working as a prosecutor, Correa went into private practice and has spent most of her career working in civil litigation, first as part of a Brickell law firm and, since 2016, running her own. She said she’s practiced construction and commercial litigation, which includes contract and fraud disputes, probate and guardianship litigation.
As a plus, Correa has been through the Judicial Nominating Commission process, a rigorous process through which lawyers are vetted and recommended by their peers to fill judicial vacancies. She made the list of the 11th Circuit JNC’s nominations for county judge several times but Gov. Ron DeSantis ultimately picked someone else.
Padron, 40, graduated from Florida International University’s College of Law and has always run his own firm, where he focuses mainly on family law, though he’s also dealt with federal child abduction cases, a few criminal cases and appeal work.
Padron is clearly passionate about the law — “I read cases for fun,” he said. He handles every detail of his cases from beginning to end, which shows his diligence.
In the end, Correa is better prepared to be on the bench. Her goal, if elected, is that people who appear in court feel she is well versed on their cases, that she heard them and that her rulings are well explained regardless of their outcome.
“Circuit Court means jury trials, jury trials of all different types,” Correa told the Editorial Board. “It is important to have somebody with experience not just in one area of law, but in multiple areas of law.”
We agree.
The Herald endorses HELOIZA CORREA for 11th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Group 29.
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 July 30, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
.png)
.png)
