In addition to the candidates, there are always other people, groups, institutions that win — or lose — in every single election. Without further ado, here are the most obvious winners and losers from Tuesday’s Miami-Dade primary.
Winners:
Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nuñez and, by extension, Gov. Ron DeSantis. These two put a lot of muscle and money behind two school board candidates in an effort to drive the message: You are either with me or I will run someone against you. The dynamic duo recruited both Roberto Alonso in District 4 and Monica Colucci in District 8, who unseated 24-year veteran Marta Perez, who everyone thought would die on the school board. Nuñez, who took Colucci by the hand everywhere, should be feeling very proud of herself for taking Marta down. It’s probably the single most important political thing she has done in her whole career. Felicidades, chica. She is now a queen maker.
Read related: LG Jeanette Nuñez flexes, intimidates in Miami-Dade School Board race
Donald Trump keeps pickin’ them. Of the two Miami-Dade county commission candidates the former president actually endorsed, one was elected outright Tuesday and the other heads to a runoff. Doral Mayor J.C. Bermudez beat Sweetwater reject Sophia Lacayo in District 12 and Kevin Marino Cabrera heads into a November runoff against Jorge Fors, Jr. This way, he has two votes already for the redevelopment of his Doral resort.
People who contributed to the campaign to elect Anthony Rodriguez should be in a good mood today. Between his campaign account and his political action committee, the state rep — who won outright a four-way race to replace Javier Souto in District 10 — amassed more than $2 million in contributions. These investors will now have someone on the dais who owes them their attention, at the very least. And those who gave big — you know who you are — are smiling extra wide this morning.
Losers:
Miami City Commissioner Alex Diaz de la Portilla was not on the ballot, but his baby brother was and The Dean worked hard to get him elected. He even lent Renier Diaz de la Portilla his city staff for the campaign. Maybe he should let someone else try since this is the fourth time Renier Diaz de la Portilla loses a race. It also doesn’t bode well for ADLP’s own re-election next year — or his potential bid for mayor in 2024 — does it?
Read related: Renier Diaz de la Portilla raises judicial race funds from big bro’s city interests
The Miami-Dade Democratic Party lost in these non-partisan races. Not only did the sole Democrat they were helping, Miami Springs Councilman Victor Vazquez in the District 6 race, come in third. But now the state GOP has taken over the local school board.
Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago really stepped in it when he endorsed Baby DLP in the judicial race. He just should have stayed out of it. Lago never called Ladra back to explain why he would go out on a limb and back such an unworthy and unethical candidate. But las malas lenguas say it was to gain favor with big brother Alex, either for himself or for his own brother, lobbyist Carlos Lago, who has items before the city of Miami. Vince Lago has lost credibility for nothing now.
Ladra is sure that there are more winners and losers that have slipped my mind. Please feel free to add your suggestions in the comments.
Winners and losers in Miami-Dade Aug. 23 primary include Ron DeSantis added by Ladra on
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