Herald endorsement: 11th Judicial Circuit Court Group 67 in Miami-Dade | Opinion
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Editorial Board’s endorsements for primary elections
Registered voters in Florida will be able to cast ballots in the Aug. 18 primary election through vote-by-mail, early voting or voting on Election Day. Voters will decide races for judges, the school board, the county commission, state Legislature, U.S. Senate, U.S. House and governor.
Read the Miami Herald Editorial Board’s endorsements.
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The race for 11th Circuit Court Judge Group 67 is between an incumbent judge, Mavel Ruiz, and challenger Destiny Alvarez.
Our choice is Ruiz based on her experience and qualifications.
Ruiz has been a judge since 2015. A former assistant public defender, she was reelected in 2020. During her time on the bench, Ruiz has worked to reduce her court docket, including holding hearings during lunch or after 5 p.m. She told the Editorial Board it’s “very important” that attorneys know when she tells them they are going to trial, “they believe me.”
Ruiz, 65, attracted attention last year when she presided over litigation involving the proposed Donald Trump presidential library in Miami. Ruiz initially blocked the transfer of land by Miami Dade College, though she later reversed her block on the land and dismissed the case. Afterward, the college board of trustees successfully sought to disqualify her from presiding over future cases, saying she was personally biased in favor of the plaintiff, Miami historian and activist Marvin Dunn. She hugged him after one hearing.
It’s fairly unusual for a sitting judge to attract a challenger — 38 judges were reelected this year because no one filed to run against them — but Ruiz has. Alvarez, 30, has been a lawyer since 2021. She said the Trump Library case wasn’t the reason she chose to run. Her candidacy is about public service and giving voters a choice, she said.
She’s an attorney at Goede DeBoest & Cross in Coral Gables, where she became a managing partner last October. Previously, she worked for two years at GrayRobinson and was a gubernatorial fellow at the Florida Department of Transportation. Alvarez has handled civil litigation, insurance disputes and HOA and condominium law.
Alvarez’s enthusiasm for public service seems genuine, but she has yet to try a case in front of a judge or jury.
In contrast, Ruiz handled dozens of jury trials when she was an assistant public defender, and as a judge, she said she has presided over 50 to 100 jury trials across juvenile, criminal and civil divisions, plus numerous bench trials.
“When I was 53 years old, I finally felt ready to become a judge,” Ruiz told the Editorial Board. “I had 50 jury trials at that time before I thought that I was worthy of being on the bench.”
Ruiz is not a perfect candidate. In 2020, she was one of five judges who signed a letter supporting a child-welfare provider during a state contracting process, an action that resulted in reprimand from the Florida Supreme Court on grounds that the letter created the appearance of impropriety because it used the credibility of the court to boost a private company. Ruiz told the Board signing the letter was an “absolute mistake.”
Also, the Florida Elections Commission has received complaints this year alleging Ruiz’s campaign accepted two contributions above the legal limit totalling $1,250. The allegations are pending.
In the end, Ruiz’s experience on the bench weighs most heavily.
The Miami Herald endorses MAVEL RUIZ for Miami-Dade Circuit Court Group 67.
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 14, 2026 at 12:06 PM.
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