Herald endorsement: The best choice in Miami-Dade County judge Group 29 runoff | 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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The General Election race for Miami-Dade County judge Group 29 is a runoff. Christopher Benjamin and Alina Salcines Restrepo were the top two candidates in a three-way primary race in August.
The Herald Editorial Board originally endorsed Scott Janowitz, a former judge, but it was a close call between him and Benjamin because of their legal and court experience. Janowitz didn’t make it to the runoff and is now supporting Benjamin, who is also our pick in the Nov. 5 nonpartisan race.
Known as the “people’s court,” county court handles citizen disputes, traffic offenses, small crimes and small monetary disputes. Judges must have legal knowledge and also the right temperament because many people who appear before them do not have legal representation.
Benjamin, 51, a graduate of St. Thomas University School of Law, has been a lawyer for 22 years. He began his career as a public defender handling felony and juvenile cases. He currently serves in the Florida House as a Democrat and has racked up endorsements from across the aisle, according to his website.
Benjamin has already worked in the court system. He has served as a traffic magistrate in Miami-Dade County court, hearing and deciding traffic cases, as well as an arbitrator and mediator resolving legal conflicts. He’s also been a special magistrate deciding red-light camera and code enforcement cases for several South Florida cities. He’s received dozens of professional accolades during his career.
Benjamin touts his calm demeanor, which he said makes litigants feel at ease. In his private law practice, he said he’s handled almost every area of the law and he uses a sliding scale fee to ensure that clients can afford his services.
He is not a perfect candidate. Benjamin is $293,000 in debt, according to his 2023 state financial disclosure form. He attributed his negative net worth to student loans and a mortgage bigger than the value of his home because to a mortgage modification during the Great Recession, as well as the loss of a title business in 2008. But he said that will make him more empathetic as a judge.
“I think my experience helps me identify with people who come before me,” he told the Editorial Board.
Restrepo, 50, received a law degree from Nova Southeastern University and has run a private practice for 25 years. She said she has also dealt with almost all types of legal cases. Her experience with clients who are scared of facing judges has prepared her to be on the bench, she said.
“This is their right and I hope I don’t scare them off,” Restrepo told the Board. “I could be a bridge of trust where they could come to the judicial system when they need it.”
In a 2024 Miami-Dade Bar survey of lawyers’ views about judicial candidates, 77% of those who had an opinion about Benjamin said he either was “qualified” or “exceptionally qualified,” while 57% said the same about Restrepo. Almost 43% said she was “unqualified” versus 23% who said the same about Benjamin.
Both candidates appear to have the demeanor to sit on the bench, but one of them has the most experience.
The Herald Editorial Board endorses CHRISTOPHER BENJAMIN for Miami-Dade County judge Group 29.
Editor’s note: This editorial has been modified to clarify Benjamin’s finances.
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 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
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