Herald endorsement: Miami-Dade County court judge Group 25 in Miami-Dade | Opinion
.png "Maribel Diaz and Luis Perez-Medina are running for judge in Miami-Dade’s County Judge Group 25")
In the race for Miami-Dade County Court judge in Group 25, voters will choose between the incumbent, Luis Perez-Medina, and attorney Maribel Diaz. Both are committed to public service, but the Miami Herald Editorial Board is endorsing Perez-Medina based on his experience.
Perez-Medina spent 13 years as a prosecutor in the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office, including in the public corruption unit, before then-Gov. Rick Scott appointed him to the Miami-Dade County bench in 2018. Since then, Perez-Medina, 66, said he has presided over 250 bench trials and set for trial more than 150 cases per month.
His opponent, Diaz, 53, is a Miami native and the director of legal services for the Miami-Dade County Tax Collector’s office. She has extensive knowledge of high-volume civil litigation — foreclosures, collections, property tax disputes — that would serve her well as a judge. The Board was impressed with her work ethic and thoughtful approach to docket management.
But when it comes to experience, Perez-Medina’s track record is hard to argue with.
From small claims to evictions to credit card debt cases, Perez-Medina said his caseload puts him in regular contact with Miami residents navigating the legal system, often when they are representing themselves. He said he explains his rulings, regardless of the outcome, to both sides.
“I’m probably the only judge they’ll ever meet,” he said. That down-to-earth approach is important in a judicial system that can be intimidating.
In August 2025, Perez-Medina was one of five county judges presiding over the mass eviction case of the L’il Abner mobile home park in Sweetwater. The residents, about 3,000, ultimately were forced out. The case was appealed but upheld.
Perez-Medina told the Board that, as a judge, he strives to “be fair, to read the law, follow the law and just make a decision based on what the law says.”
The Miami Herald endorses LUIS PEREZ-MEDINA for Miami-Dade County judge in Group 25.
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.