Herald endorsement: Miami Commission District 3 runoff election | Opinion
.jpg "Miami District 3 commission candidates Rolando Escalona, left, and Frank Carollo, right.")
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Editorial Board’s runoff election endorsements
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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Two candidates made it to the Dec. 9 runoff election for Miami Commission District 3. Restaurant manager Rolando Escalona is new to politics. His opponent Frank Carollo is well-known and already served eight years in the seat. He is the brother of his successor, incumbent Joe Carollo, who’s term-limited.
Frank Carollo came first in the Nov. 4 general election with almost 38% of the vote. Escalona got 17%. There were eight candidates on the ballot and the Herald Editorial Board’s choice, Oscar Alejandro, did not make it to the runoff.
Carollo has by far the most experience and knowledge of government but, when we endorsed Alejandro, we advocated for a fresh voice on the commission. We now endorse Escalona.
Born in Cuba, Escalona has lived in the U.S. for 11 years and said he started busing tables at a downtown restaurant before earning a college degree and becoming the general manager at Brickell’s Sexy Fish. “I believe I’m the closest person who represents what residents in my district have gone through,” he said.
Escalona said he wants to prioritize the expansion of affordable housing options, especially for low income families. Affordability is a big issue in Little Havana, he said, which is part of District 3 along with part of Shenandoah, The Roads and western Brickell.
“I would like to be kind of remembered as somebody who advocated and worked strongly for affordable housing,” Escalona told the Editorial Board.
He supports expanding the number of seats on the five-member city commission to increase representation and account for population growth. He wants to make the city’s trolley service more reliable and create new routes.
His priorities seem right, though he wasn’t able to offer many details of his plans to address Miami’s issues. We would like to see more depth of knowledge in a candidate for Miami’s commission.
Escalona was the target of a lawsuit that tried to disqualify him from the November election on grounds he did not meet Miami’s residency requirements. One of his then-opponents alleged he had not continuously resided in District 3, but a judge ruled in October there was not enough evidence to prove the allegation and that Escalona could remain on the ballot. Escalona told the Board he bought a house that was drawn out of the district when boundaries changed, and he rented an apartment in Little Havana, inside District 3, about 1 1/2 years ago.
Carollo was the target of a different lawsuit that argued he should be disqualified from the runoff election because voters in November overwhelmingly approved lifetime term limits for elected officials. Carollo served two terms in District 3, from 2009 to 2017 and, therefore, exceeds the new limits. However, a district judge ruled he could remain on the ballot, noting Carollo qualified to run before the referendum went into effect.
Carollo touts his knowledge as a certified public accountant, his past record helping balance city budgets and championing the Miami trolleys but lacked a compelling vision for the future of Miami. And, despite the judge’s ruling in Carollo’s favor, voters should consider the spirit of the referendum they approved. Miami needs new representation, not the revolving door of political families who have been running the city.
The Herald Editorial Board endorses ROLANDO ESCALONA for Miami Commission District 3.
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.