Xavier Suárez, former mayor of Miami and the first Cuban to hold that position 40 years ago, announced this week that he will run again for mayor in the November 2025 elections.
The announcement came shortly after a court ruling invalidated the municipal government's attempt to postpone the elections by one year, a measure that would have benefited his son and current mayor, Francis Suárez.
“I am excited,” declared the veteran politician to the Miami Herald, after confirming that he will officially submit his documents as a candidate.
At 76 years old, Suárez aims to return to the position he first held in 1985, highlighting his experience, closeness to the neighbors, and management skills as his main advantages.
“I believe they need me. I get involved to the point of knowing exactly what is happening in every corner of the city. No one competes with me in government efficiency,” he has said.
Campaign priorities: Fiscal justice and institutional reform
In his platform, Suárez proposes two main pillars: reducing property taxes and expanding democratic representation in local government.
Regarding taxes, their most notable proposal is to eliminate the tax on homes valued below the county average.
"Homeowners whose house does not exceed the median amount for our county should not pay a single cent in property taxes," she stated, supporting legislative initiatives promoted by state representative Vickie López.
In the institutional arena, Suárez supports the referendums promoted by the coalition Stronger Miami, which aim to move municipal elections to even-numbered years—to increase voter participation—and expand the Municipal Commission from five to nine members.
He has also openly opposed the amendment that proposes limiting mayors to two four-year terms for life.
“That makes no sense… quite the opposite. The people know them, and we know what they have done,” he argued, in defense of experienced figures like himself, Joe Carollo, or Tomás Regalado.
Differences with your child and leadership style
Xavier Suárez acknowledged the work of his son Francis, the current mayor, especially regarding international projection:
"It is the best for marketing the city, to make it known to the whole world. It is the safest city... I believe it has done a great job," he stated.
However, it also drew a distinction in terms of governance style.
"I am more of a 'micro manager,' paying closer attention to the details of the city. I travel less. In that sense, he is a bit like [Maurice] Ferré when he used to travel a lot."
And he emphasized that his approach is community-focused: “I would give a bit more attention to individuals and neighborhoods.”
A return with history (and controversies)
Xavier Suárez was elected mayor of Miami in 1985, reelected in 1987, and again in 1989.
In 1997, he won the mayoralty in a runoff against Joe Carollo, but just 111 days later, he was dismissed for electoral fraud in the mail-in voting.
Although he was never directly implicated, more than 30 people were accused, and a judge declared that it was a "well-orchestrated conspiracy to steal the elections."
In 1990, he became the center of an international controversy when he refused to greet Nelson Mandela during his visit to Miami, due to Mandela's praise of Fidel Castro. This sparked a national boycott of conventions in the city.
Most recently, he served as a commissioner for Miami-Dade County from 2011 to 2020, during which he promoted policies for affordable housing, public transportation, and workforce development.
An electoral contest filled with prominent figures
The upcoming November election promises to be one of the most competitive in Miami's recent history. The announced candidates include:
-Emilio González (former city administrator).
-Eileen Higgins (county commissioner).
-Ken Russell (former commissioner).
-Maxwell “Max” Martínez.
-Michael Hepburn (activist).
- And possibly Joe Carollo, the current commissioner and longtime rival of Suárez.
Regarding the possibility of facing Carollo again, Suárez was unequivocal:
"Everyone knows Carollo. I'm not going to say anything about him. I have my own platform. My own ideas. And I typically don't engage with my opponents."
A family legacy in power
If they win the elections and serve the full four-year term, the Suárez family will have governed the city of Miami for 12 consecutive years.
This dynastic continuity, which began in 2017 with Francis Suárez, raises questions about representation and political renewal, although for Xavier Suárez, experience is a central value, and he has assured that he has more than enough desire and energy to try again.
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