Herald endorsement: Miami Beach Commission Group III | Opinion
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Editorial Board November 2025 election recommendations
Ahead of the upcoming local elections, the Editorial Board sits down with political candidates to gain insight into their positions on key issues and the potential impact of their policies on the community. Our aim is to help voters make informed decisions about who is best suited for each race. See our November 2025 endorsements below:
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In the contest for Miami Beach Commission Group III, voters will choose between an incumbent commissioner, Alex Fernandez, and a community advocate, Luidgi Mary.
In interviews with the Miami Herald Editorial Board, both candidates cited affordability, traffic, overdevelopment and water quality as top concerns facing Miami Beach residents. We agree — these are pressing issues for Miami Beach, along with much of South Florida.
Fernandez, who first won election to the Group III seat in 2021, has worked to protect tenant rights, to preserve historic buildings and public safety. We believe he deserves to be reelected.
Fernandez, 39, vowed when he was elected four years ago that he would leave Miami Beach cleaner, safer, more resilient and a place that prioritizes quality of life. He also calls himself a fighter for the LGBTQ community. He’s worked to deliver on those goals.
Fernandez has also, at times, struck a note of independence that Beach residents should welcome. For example, when commissioners voted to increase their salaries by $20,000 in 2024, he voted for the increase but did not accept the money. He proposed an amendment — which passed — that blocked his seat from receiving the salary increase.
In a second term, Fernandez told the Miami Herald Editorial Board that he would focus on affordability, housing and transportation, concerns that are especially acute in a small, tourism-driven city like Miami Beach. Both were recurring themes among commission candidates.
To address the continuing shortage of affordable housing, Fernandez proposed working to repeal a state law that preempted cities’ abilities to regulate short-term rentals. He says the city could then convert thousands of housing units back into regular rental housing, making housing more accessible for the local workforce.
Traffic on the Beach has long been a headache, especially during peak tourism season or special events. Fernandez has pushed for more trolleys and the on-demand Freebie car service, plus building more lanes for bikes and pedestrians.
Fernandez said he’ll continue working to protect the historic Art Deco district, as well as streamlining the permitting process for new businesses.
Spring break on the Beach seems to have been tamed the last two years; Fernandez was a strong voice on the issue. At a commission meeting back in 2023, he said: “Miami Beach is shutting the door on spring break.” In an opinion piece for the Miami Herald, he wrote that he “refused to accept another year of chaos” and had taken actions that “made a difference.”
His opponent, Mary, cast himself as an outsider who can reform city government. He criticized city hall as a place that has become a social club for the politically connected, and promised to hold “walk and talk” sessions with residents to ensure their voices are heard. Mary, born and raised in Miami-Dade County, was a member of the Miami Beach Black Affairs Advisory Committee in 2024.
Fernadez’s record isn’t spotless. Before joining the commission, in 2013, the Florida Elections Commission fined him $250 for failing to label a campaign letter as election communication.
But his focus as a commissioner is on the right things. He’s already demonstrated his ability to work with other elected officials on efforts to improve Miami Beach. He’s also brought fresh ideas to the city, such as his text-to-tow program, where residents receive a text message before their car is towed. He fought for the city to retain its rainbow crosswalk, though the state recently ripped out the pavers on Ocean Drive.
During his term in office, Fernandez has shown practical vision and a commitment to serve the residents of Miami Beach. The Miami Herald Editorial Board endorses ALEX FERNANDEZ for Group III.
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 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM.
