Herald endorsement: Our choice in Florida Senate District 37 election | Opinion

By the Miami Herald Editorial Board

Updated November 2, 2024 11:41 AM

Democratic incumbent Jason Pizzo (right) faces Republican Imitaz Mohammad in Florida Senate District 37. Provided

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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In the November race for Florida Senate District 37, Democratic incumbent Jason Pizzo faces frequent candidate Imtiaz Mohammad, a Republican.

This two-county district covers Broward’s eastern portions, stretching from Deerfield Beach south to Hallandale Beach, and Aventura, Sunny Isles and Golden Beach in Miami-Dade.

Pizzo, 48, of Sunny Isles, is a former prosecutor first elected in 2018. He’s among the most high-profile Democratic senators in a Legislature that has a Republican super-majority. Being in the minority party has made Pizzo work behind the scenes on important issues and kill bad legislation.

He tried for years to expand the availability of the emergency opioid overdose treatment Narcan, including in public schools, until a bill finally passed when it was sponsored by a Republican. He said he lobbied the governor’s office to veto legislation that would have taken away authority from local governments to regulate vacation rentals. Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis eventually vetoed it.

Pizzo, who’s in line to become Senate minority leader, has been an outspoken critic of Florida Republicans. He recently filed a lawsuit against the DeSantis administration’s use of state resources to oppose Amendment 3, which would legalize recreational marijuana. Pizzo is also outspoken about his own party, saying he might run for governor in 2026 because of a lack of good Democratic candidates.

District 37 is lined with waterfront condos and, before the the 2022 redrawing of legislative district boundaries, Pizzo represented Surfside, where the Champlain Towers South building collapse in 2021 killed 98 people. Even before the tragedy, Pizzo had tried for years to bring more accountability to condo boards and, in its aftermath, he advocated for building safety reforms and said he had input in Republican legislation that was finally passed to require inspections and financial reserves.

Those reforms have resulted in many condo owners facing hefty special assessments and maintenance fees they cannot afford. Pizzo said DeSantis’ idea of providing low- or no-interest loans should be a “secondary option” because it’s unfair to single-family homeowners who pay for home maintenance on their own. Pizzo said he would prefer the state abate property taxes for some condos instead. He expects lawmakers will extend the deadline for the completion of reserve studies that will show how much associations must set aside for maintenance needs.

Mohammad once ran as a Democrat for a Florida House seat in 2018 and 2020. He could not be reached to set up an interview with the Herald Editorial Board. He hasn’t raised any money, except for the $2,000 he’s loaned to himself, state records show.

The Herald Editorial Board endorses JASON PIZZO to represent Florida Senate District 37.

BEHIND THE STORY

Who 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 15, 2024 at 1:52 PM.