Few surprises and four runoffs in Miami-Dade commission contests

Few surprises and four runoffs in Miami-Dade commission contests

The only unexpected thing about the results from Tuesday’s Miami-Dade commission races is, perhaps, that Keon Hardemon didn’t win outright, meaning we will have four runoffs in November, not three, while three other races have been decided. As of 11 p.m., and with only two precincts still out in District 3, Hardemon — a Miami […]

Miami-Dade District 5 poll spells runoff: Eileen Higgins vs Renier DLP

Miami-Dade District 5 poll spells runoff: Eileen Higgins vs Renier DLP

The smart money is on a November runoff in Miami-Dade District 5 between incumbent Commissioner Eileen Higgins and retread has-been Renier Diaz de la Portilla, thanks to Miguel Soliman. While Soliman filed before Diaz de la Portilla, the youngest brother of the political dynasty has enviable name recognition and is expected to beat Soliman handily, […]

In Miami-Dade District 11, sleeper Robert Asencio could can Joe Martinez

In Miami-Dade District 11, sleeper Robert Asencio could can Joe Martinez

Miami-Dade Commissioner Joe Martinez is facing two challengers, but only one is a real threat. Former State Rep. Robert Asencio is a sleeper candidate who beat none other than David “Nine Lives” Rivera in 2016 for a House seat in 118 — by a scant 53 votes. Despite a canyon-sized gap in their campaign financing, […]

Juan Zapata draws anti incorporation challenger for 2016

Juan Zapata draws anti incorporation challenger for 2016

Miami-Dade Commissioner Juan Zapata drew his first challenger this week when a man named Felix Lorenzo filed against him. And he’s running an anti-incorporation campaign. Lorenzo, 75, told Ladra that he decided to run so that he could block the incorporation efforts of two areas in District 11 that want to become their own municipalities. […]

County commission incumbents raise big money to stay put

County commission incumbents raise big money to stay put

Five of the six Miami-Dade County commissioners up for re-election this year have raised more than $100,000 each — and half got close or surpassed $200,000 — to stay in office. Only Commissioner Javier Souto, who is seen as vulnerable and drew a second opponent last month, raised less than $100K. Much less, with $44,500 […]