Voters in Miami’s District 4 will head to the polls this Tuesday, June 3, to elect a new city commissioner in a closely watched special election that could tip the political balance of the five-member Miami City Commission.
The election was triggered by the death of Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who passed away in April at the age of 80. Reyes had been serving the second year of his current term and had already announced his intention to run for mayor in 2025.
The two candidates vying for the seat — Jose F. Regalado and Ralph “Rafael” Rosado — bring name recognition and public service experience to a race that has grown increasingly combative in recent weeks. The outcome will not only determine representation for District 4 but may also decide the majority on the commission ahead of key votes in the coming months.
Familiar names
Jose F. Regalado, a former assistant building director for the City of Miami, entered the race after stepping down from his municipal post earlier this year. He is the son of former Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and the brother of Miami-Dade County Commissioner Raquel Regalado. His ties to one of the city’s most recognizable political families have made him a formidable contender.
His opponent, Rafael Rosado, is a seasoned urban planner and former North Bay Village city manager. A Miami native, Rosado previously ran against Reyes in 2017 and has emphasized his deep knowledge of local planning and commitment to public service. He’s positioning himself as a candidate focused on transparency and forward-looking governance.
With only five commissioners on the board, the person elected on Tuesday could hold the deciding vote on several high-impact proposals.
What’s at stake
Among the more contentious issues the next commissioner could weigh in on are proposed reforms to the city’s election calendar and term limits. According to the Miami Herald, one pending proposal would move Miami’s municipal elections from odd-numbered to even-numbered years, potentially aligning them with state and federal races to boost turnout. Another proposal would impose lifetime term limits on the mayor and commissioners — a move that could fundamentally reshape the city’s political dynamics.
These proposals are expected to come before the commission before the November general elections, and with the current board often split on critical votes, the District 4 winner could be pivotal in deciding their fate.
Election Day details
Election Day is Tuesday, June 3. Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Voters must be registered within District 4 boundaries and are encouraged to bring valid photo identification with a signature. While bringing a voter information card is not required, it can help streamline the check-in process.
Early voting wrapped up on Sunday, June 1, following three days of advance voting at two locations — Shenandoah Branch Library and West Flagler Branch Library. With early turnout now closed, all eyes are on voter engagement at the polls on Tuesday.
For more information on polling locations, sample ballots, and voter eligibility, residents can visit the City of Miami’s elections website at miami.gov/elections.
