Mayoral candidate Michael Hepburn is temporarily suspending his campaign to initiate a recall effort against City Commissioner Damian Pardo, accusing him of backing a proposal that would delay city elections without voter approval.
The measure—sponsored by Pardo—would move Miami’s elections to even-numbered years by skipping the November 2025 election and extending current officeholders’ terms by a year. The plan has drawn criticism from the Florida Attorney General’s Office and Gov. Ron DeSantis, both of whom say any such change must be approved by voters via referendum
The proposed measure—expected to go before the Miami City Commission next week—would extend the terms of sitting commissioners by one year and cancel the city’s upcoming election.
Hepburn called the move “unacceptable and undemocratic,” saying it undermines one of the most fundamental rights in American democracy.
“When there is a sitting City of Miami Commissioner who continues to push forth a proposal that will cancel our upcoming election and extend the term of elected officials an additional year without having we the people vote for or against this change — that is unacceptable and undemocratic,” Hepburn said in a public statement.
Michael Hepburn, 42, is a lifelong Miamian of Bahamian descent seeking to become the first Black mayor in the city’s history. Born and raised in Miami, Hepburn’s family has lived in the city since 1896. He is a proud product of Miami-Dade County Public Schools and Florida International University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree. His campaign has centered on equity, civic participation, and neighborhood-focused governance.
“Perhaps this matters to me more than most because my ancestors and elders had to tirelessly fight for, march for, and even die for the right to vote in this country,” Hepburn said.
“If Commissioner Pardo does not understand the importance of giving us the ballot, so we can participate in making this decision — then Commissioner Pardo is unfit to serve us.”
Hepburn warned that if the commission passes the proposal, he will begin working with legal counsel to file a recall petition for Pardo, who represents District 2. “All I am asking for is to give us the ballot, so we the people can vote for or against moving our elections to 2026,” he said.
Commissioner Pardo has not yet publicly responded to the recall threat. The Miami City Commission is expected to vote on the proposal next week.
