Six mayors in Florida Senate District 37 have endorsed incumbent Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez — and two of them are Republicans.
In this hyper partisan atmosphere, and against the GOP’s handpicked challenger, Latinas for Trump founder Ileana Garcia, that’s like a coup.
“Senator Rodriguez has always prioritized our constituents here in Miami during his time in public service,” said the Republican mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez. “I’m proud to endorse the re-election of Jose Javier Rodriguez and look forward to continuing working with him to look out for Miami’s residents in the Florida Senate.”
Said Coral Gables Mayor Raul Valdes-Fauli, another Republican: “I have been proud to work alongside Jose Javier Rodriguez since he was first elected to the Florida Legislature in 2012. Throughout his years of service, I have come to know Senator Rodriguez as a strong leader dedicated to the hardworking families and small businesses of District 37.”
Rodriguez says it reflects a record of crossing the aisle to find common ground on “common sense solutions” to South Florida’s problems.
“I’m extremely proud of what we’ve been able to achieve over the last four years by putting party affiliation aside and focusing on real solutions for the people of District 37,” Rodriguez said in a statement.
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The other four mayors who have endorsed him are Democrats, but it was precisely J-Rod’s knack for building consensus on both sides of the aisle that appeals to Key Biscayne Mayor Michael Davey.
“The Village of Key Biscayne has been lucky to have a champion like Jose Javier Rodriguez serving on our behalf in the Florida Senate,” Davey said. “His ability to work across party lines and put constituents front-and-center has earned him my trust and support.”
His dedication to his constituents is what sold the others.
“The most important role of an elected official is to serve the people who elect them into office,” said Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham. “Senator Rodriguez has consistently focused on the needs of our constituents during his years of service, which is why I’m excited to support him for re-election to Senate District 37.”
South Miami Mayor Sally Phillips cited his track record of fighting for everyday families. “From passing the first significant piece of legislation addressing climate change in Florida’s history to securing millions of dollars in resources for District 37, Senator Rodriguez is a results-oriented public servant and I’m proud to endorse him for re-election,” she said.
The COVID-19 crisis and J-Rod’s response, particularly in trying to fix the broken Florida unemployment system, was the main reason for Pinecrest Mayor Joseph Corradino.
“Over the course of the pandemic, Jose Javier Rodriguez has prioritized the families and residents of Miami-Dade,” Corradino said. “His advocacy for out-of-work Floridians and support for hard-hit small businesses in the district is just the latest example of why I’m honored to support his campaign for re-election.”
Said Rodriguez: “It has been very rewarding to partner with these Mayors as we’ve confronted the climate crisis, funded critical infrastructure projects in our communities, and fought for increased access to affordable housing for our constituents. I’m grateful to have their support.”
Of course, missing from the group are West Miami Mayor Rhonda Rodriguez and Cutler Bay Mayor Tim Meerbott, both of whom also reign within Senate District 37 boundaries.
But six out of eight isn’t bad. If it were voters, that’s a 75% win.
Six mayors in his state Senate district back incumbent Jose Javier Rodriguez added by Ladra on
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