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After the resignation of Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr., councilwoman Jacqueline García-Roves became the interim mayor of Hialeah, marking a historic milestone as she is the first woman to hold this position in the city's 100-year history.
Now, the city is facing a special election with five candidates —led by Jacqueline García-Roves— who promise to tackle two recurring urgencies: the high cost of water and sewer services and affordability.
The landscape shifted when René García, the prior favorite, withdrew and endorsed García-Roves; another candidate was disqualified for not having residency, as noted in an article by Verónica Egui Brito for El Nuevo Herald.
Here we present the current candidates for mayor who will be competing for the position on Tuesday, November 4th.
Jacqueline García-Roves
President of the Council in 2024 and interim mayor by line of succession. García-Roves presents herself as the only candidate with a detailed plan in place to reduce the cost of water and sewage.
It claims to have eliminated the water franchise fee, resulting in an annual savings of 3.7 million dollars for residents. It promises to reduce taxes without affecting public safety and to improve services.
In the campaign, she reported $69,200 (April–June), with support from the real estate, entertainment, restaurant, and legal services sectors. With local roots—daughter of political advisor Bernardo García-Roves—she emphasizes her opposition, as vice of the council, to the county's $2.5 billion bond.
"I fully understand the challenges that Hialeah families are facing. I have demonstrated my commitment to addressing them head-on (...) I am also completely focused on reducing taxes without sacrificing public safety, and on improving services," she stated to Miami Herald.
Jesús Tundidor
Serving as a councilor since 2019, he was seen as the natural heir to Bovo until René García's emergence/withdrawal.
It raised over $280,000, significantly more than the rest, with strong support from real estate, construction, and hospitality sectors.
Presided over a workgroup for affordable housing to increase low-cost units in new developments and demonstrates a technical background: former Vice President of Zoning and Planning, Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and MBA (FIU).
He works as the operations director in the healthcare sector. His profile combines political advancement and business support.
Bryan Calvo
Former councilman (the youngest in the history of Hialeah, elected at 23), is positioning himself as an alternative to the "establishment."
Proposes to reduce bureaucracy, eliminate public pensions, and lower water bills. As a council member, she promoted electronic meters and eliminated the franchise fee (initially rejected; then suspended by Bovo for 3.8 million).
In this contest, he reported $14,000 raised and $49,000 in personal loans for his campaign.
Lawyer from FIU, with a degree in Government from Harvard and certification in Italian, promises to cut waste, combat corruption, and "put residents first".
"Families in Hialeah are paying too much and receiving very little. Water bills are extremely high, taxes keep rising, and services are inadequate. The most urgent issue is affordability, and I will bring real relief by reducing waste and prioritizing residents," she stated to Miami Herald.
Bernardino “Benny” Rodríguez
A businessman and long-standing public servant, he proposes to revitalize the economy by recovering key industries, implementing strict audits, ensuring transparency, and adopting a zero tolerance policy towards crime.
Promises not to collect a salary if elected and to create scholarship programs for outstanding students.
A graduate of Miami Dade College, he frames his campaign around "smart and sustainable growth."
Marc Anthony Salvat
Real estate agent and influencer, 31 years old, focuses her offerings on reducing water and sewer fees, lowering property taxes without affecting services, promoting affordable housing, and legalizing "efficiencies" that meet city codes.
He assures that he is not political and does not seek a salary or pension, and he says he is focused on "the next generation" rather than "the next elections."
"My proposal is to keep more money in the pockets of residents and protect the American dream in the city of Hialeah. Since I am not a politician, I do not owe political favors to anyone, nor am I interested in a salary or a pension," he also commented to Miami Herald.
The outcome will determine how and with whom the bills for water, housing, and daily management are addressed in the second most populous city of Miami-Dade.
Hialeah will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. It is the second largest city in Miami-Dade County.
It has more than 221,000 inhabitants and a budget of 485 million dollars. Its government model follows a strong mayor system, where the executive concentrates a large portion of administrative power.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Candidates for Mayor of Hialeah
Who is Jacqueline García-Roves and what is her main proposal for Hialeah?
Jacqueline García-Roves is the current acting mayor of Hialeah and is running as a candidate for the municipal elections. Her main proposal is to reduce the cost of water and sewer services, having already eliminated the franchise fee, which represents a savings of 3.7 million dollars for residents. Additionally, she promises to reduce taxes without affecting public safety and to improve municipal services.
What are the main proposals of Jesús Tundidor in his campaign for mayor?
Jesús Tundidor, a councilman since 2019, focuses his campaign on increasing affordable housing and showcases a technical background as a former Vice President of Zoning and Planning. He has raised over $280,000 for his campaign, with support from the real estate, construction, and hospitality sectors. Tundidor aims to increase low-cost units in new developments and improve the efficiency of municipal services.
What does Bryan Calvo propose to improve the situation in Hialeah?
Bryan Calvo, former councilman and lawyer, proposes reducing bureaucracy and eliminating public pensions. His focus is on lowering water bills and combating corruption. Calvo also aims to cut waste and prioritize the needs of residents. He has raised $14,000 for his campaign and is known for having promoted measures such as the implementation of electronic meters during his time as councilman.
How will the increase in water costs affect the upcoming elections in Hialeah?
The increase in water costs is a central topic in the Hialeah municipal elections. Candidates have focused their proposals on offering solutions to mitigate the effects of the increase, which will be between 15% and 17% starting next fiscal year. This issue is particularly relevant given the current economic and political context, where residents already consider the rates excessive.
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