Herald endorsement: Our pick in Miami-Dade County Court Judge Group 31 | Opinion
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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.
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The race for Miami-Dade County Judge in Group 31 pits incumbent Christopher Green against attorney Rita Maria Baez.
Baez, 59, has been a member of the Florida Bar for 28 years and has handled more than 70 trials, she said. Baez feels running for the bench is next.
“This is a natural evolution in my career. I have been practicing for some time; I’m always in court. I’ve decided that now is the time to run,” Baez told the Herald Editorial Board during candidate interviews. She is largely financing her own campaign.
Green, 58, was appointed — not elected to the bench — by Gov. Ron DeSantis in December 2022 to fill a vacancy left by a retiring judge. While Green has presided over civil cases at the South Dade Justice Center for almost 20 months, this election is his first.
Before his appointment, Green was a trial attorney for 30 years, handling both civil and criminal jury trials. He started his career as an assistant public defender in Miami-Dade, where he worked for 22 years, before serving as an assistant Miami city attorney focused on litigation. Green’s name was submitted nine times to the governor before his selection. To be considered, Green underwent the rigorous Judicial Nominating Committee process.
Green is the only incumbent judge in Miami-Dade being challenged this election cycle. Given that Green was appointed, he could be viewed as vulnerable.
Both Green and Baez demonstrated their ability to ensure justice is dispensed quickly and fairly. They presented credible plans to better manage their courtrooms, avoid backlogs, and ensure those appearing before them feel respected.
As Green noted, the county court has faced significant challenges in recent years with a rising backlog of cases because of the pandemic. This backlog threatens the court’s ability to give every case the fair and timely consideration it deserves, he said. Green is currently overseeing 8,000 cases.
Green believes in maintaining a busy calendar — “Any judge will tell you that nothing gets a case resolved quicker than setting a trial date,” he said. Green also emphasized making sure defendants, many of whom represent themselves in county court, feel respected and walk away satisfied with the justice system, regardless of the outcome
The Board finds Baez could be a solid future candidate for the bench.
However, Green’s courtroom experience and case management skills give him the edge to continue as a judge. Green is already addressing the court’s administrative burdens, and the county would be well-served by retaining Green on the bench.
The Herald endorses CHRISTOPHER GREEN for Miami-Dade County Court Judge Group 31.
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.
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