In a historic election, Miami-Dade County voters selected Rosie Cordero-Stutz as their new sheriff, marking the first time in more than six decades the county has elected someone to the position.
Cordero-Stutz, a Republican and the assistant director of investigative services at the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD), won decisively over her opponent, Democrat James Reyes, the county’s public safety director.
Reyes conceded the race shortly after 8 p.m. on election night, expressing gratitude to his supporters. “My life’s work has been about public service and putting the community first, which is why I decided to run for sheriff. Though tonight’s results are not what we worked so hard for or what we hoped, I am so grateful to my family, our dedicated campaign team, and our incredible volunteers who have done so much to fight for our shared vision of public safety and public trust,” Reyes stated.
He added that he looks forward to spending time with his family and continuing his role as Miami-Dade’s Chief of Public Safety to ensure a seamless transition to the newly elected sheriff. Reyes also offered congratulations to Cordero-Stutz, expressing his willingness to work alongside her in maintaining community safety.
Cordero-Stutz brings nearly 30 years of experience with the MDPD, where she started as a patrol officer and ascended to her current role overseeing investigative services. Throughout her career, she has managed high-profile cases, from robbery investigations to homicides. Her campaign was bolstered by endorsements from high-profile figures and organizations, including the Fraternal Order of Police, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former President Donald Trump, and 27 current Florida sheriffs.
Reyes, a veteran with over 20 years at the Broward Sheriff’s Office where he led both administrative and detention departments, was hired to lead Miami-Dade County Corrections and later appointed public safety director by Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. His campaign focused on priorities such as enhancing inter-agency communication, investing in advanced crime-fighting technologies, building public trust, and increasing transparency. He received support from Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony, the Police Benevolent Association, and former Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez.
Cordero-Stutz’s victory ushers in a new era for law enforcement leadership in Miami-Dade County as she prepares to take on the responsibilities of the office and build on her extensive career in public safety.
