Former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora is running for the Florida Senate.
Góngora plans to qualify Friday to run in District 38 in the seat
left open by the sudden, under-pressure retirement of Sen. Gwen Margolis.
The condo law attorney has stayed active after losing the mayoral race in 2014 to Philip Levine — who must be eating his heart out (everybody knows Mayor Ego wants to run for either senate or gov). Góngora sends a monthly email blast and in March urged his followers to vote no on the convention center hotel. He also supported the election of Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez last year.
In December, he was elected president of the Miami Beach Bar Association and created a pro bono law clinic.
And, even though six other candidates have been campaigning for weeks, at least (and five of those have qualified), Góngora sort of goes into it as an immediate front-runner and de facto incumbent. Sure, State Rep. Daphne Campbell might also be considered incumbent-like, but she just went to No. 2 in this race, where the best candidate wins in August with a majority of the vote, even if that is 21%.
Góngora also has something that no other candidate in the race has — local government experience in a district that has 15 municipalities from Aventura to Miami.
“I understand what local governments want and I understand the 
frustration with state government,” Góngora told Ladra. “I’ve been there and I’m the most qualified of the candidates.”
With condo associations under investigation for election fraud and residents calling on Tallahassee to have some kind of reform, Góngora could be an experienced voice on the issue. He told Ladra on Tuesday that he was also passionate about gun control, education and “bringing back the dollars.
“Our coastal communities give a lot of money to Tallahassee and it’s dreadful how little state funding we get back for things like flood mitigation,” Góngora said.
Read related story: Will La Gwen’s retreat cause more musical chairs?
Góngora was a city commissioner in Miami Beach for two terms, from 2006 to 2013 and got Margolis’ endorsement both times, as well as for mayor in 2014. While she may wait before she gives her nod, chances are La Gwen — who is certainly not about to endorse any of the Haitians she disparaged, which forced her retirement announcement — will give Góngora her blessing.
The candidate released this statement:
“As your senator for District 38, I will work even harder and be more effective than as a private citizen or community leader. It is not enough to keep raising vital issues to those currently in office, challenging them to fix broken systems and rethink ineffective policy. I will lead the charge for sensible, achievable victories in alleviating traffic and flooding, restoring quality and affordable education, and increasing jobs paying decent wages. I will hit the ground running to keep Floridians safe and to implement achievable solutions to obstacles currently impeding Floridians from fulfilling their American Dream. Our community and our State crave action not rhetoric and I vow to use my knowledge and experience to serve you effectively and with integrity.”
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1. With former County Commissioner Bruce Kaplan out because he DOESNT KNOW THE ELECTION LAW former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Gongora is NOW THE FRONT RUNNER.
2.The fact candidate Gongora has people WHO SIGN THEIR WELL KNOWN NAMES SUCH AS former MIAMI BEACH COMMISSIONER JORGE ESPOSITO who is well regarded and miss on the Dias speaks well for him n his campaign
Unfortunately former Miami Beach Commissioner Gongora’s supporters in the State Senate District are limited to Miami Beach while even there former Miami-Dade Commissioner Bruce Kaplan has as much or more name recognization amongst certain groups. The apparent presents of a second Gay candidate also chips into Commissioner Gongor’s base.
Michael Gongora is by far the very best qualified candidate in this District 38 race–vote Michael !!!! DMD
I guess the Gogo Campaign is off to a roaring start with all the social media commenters hitting up this blog with the Gogo button! Gotta keep my eye on the other blogs when Gogo starts attacking
If you is careful who runs his campaign this time he shoul be a shoe-in as he his race for Mayor because corrupt forces on the Commission recruited Levine’s bank account to fool too many people into defeating decent real local people like Michael Gongora Matti Bower Jorge Esposito after slandering n forcing out nationally regarded Jorge Gonzalez as City Manager
It’s about time he got back in a race!
This is great news! Michael Góngora has always had the best interest of the people and communities he represents. His experience is definitely needed in representing our state and the big issues we face in development, climate issues, and representing the true concerns of residents of Florida.
The news that Michael Gongora is entering this race is incredibly beneficial for our district. He will bring the energy,vitality and intelligence necessary to keep our needs at the forefront in the Senate. With countless years of political experience under his belt there is no one better suited to represent us. I couldn’t be happier!!!!
Considering all the corruption occurring with condominium associations, Gongora’s experience as a condominium attorney could help Tallahassee clean their mess up. He is also the best candidate to help Miami Beach get its fair share of tax dollars back for local projects – after all Miami Beach is likely the most generous donor city in the state.
As an attorney and two-term city commissioner for Miami Beach Michael worked tirelessly to ensure the substanabilty of the beach & thoughtful city planning… I’ve seen up close his passion and dedication to the senior citizen population of the city.
We need a leader who will fight for us in Tallahassee and Michael has the experience and integrity to get things done.
Let’s Vote Michael Gongora for Florida Senate.
This coastal district needs someone like Gongora, who understands the direct impact the State Legislature is having on us. As an attorney and city Commissioner, he knows what we need and more importantly, HOW TO GET IT from the State. This is the experience Senate District 38!
I am so glad to see Michael making this move. He has vast experience in public service, knowledge and familiarity with the law from his years as a successful attorney and determination to work toward making the kinds of change the state needs. He will make a great senator!
Michael Is moré qualified than any other candidate and he has my full support. Michael, apart from his intellect and experience, he has a good heart, and in my opinion, his ability to empathize with all of his constituents makes him the only candidate for this seat. He’s gonna win. He sure has my support.
I have seen Michael work for his community for over 10 years and I can say without reservation that he is the most qualified candidate and best choice in the coming election. District 38 can look forward to a dogged experienced advocate.
Smart, dedicated, driven, effective, personable, experienced, multi-tasker. About time to get back into public service. Florida needs you! Go Gongora!
Michael Gongora will be a great asset to our district in Tallahassee. Having served on the Miami Beach commission with him from 2009-2013 I can attest to Michael’s capacity as a public servant. He is someone who truly cares about the issues affecting our community and someone who can make a difference. Michael is intelligent a consensus builder and will not back down from a fight. We are lucky to be getting a statesman and not just another politician to protect our interest. Good luck my friend!
Michael Gongora is smart, innovative and hard working…I have no doubt he can and will do a great job for us in Miami . We are lucky to have him interested in helping our community.
I am so excited that Michael has decided to run for Senate. I cannot think of anybody more qualified!