Tensions are rising in Miami politics after city commissioners voted 3-2 to postpone the upcoming mayoral election by a full year, drawing swift backlash from candidates, state officials, and even the governor.
Mayoral hopefuls Michael Hepburn, who is of Bahamian heritage, and Emilio Gonzalez were among the protesters opposing the controversial decision to move the election from November 4, 2025, to November 3, 2026. The vote extends the terms of the sitting mayor and two commissioners by an additional 12 months without voter approval.
Hepburn recently suspended his campaign to initiate a recall effort against City Commissioner Damian Pardo, who sponsored the proposal.
“This needs to go to a referendum; that’s what this is all about,” said Gonzalez, a former Miami city manager. He and others argue the delay is undemocratic and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
Legal Questions and State Opposition
The move has also drawn sharp criticism from Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who in a letter warned city leaders that the change was unconstitutional. Uthmeier, appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis, argued that altering municipal election dates without voter input “violates the County Charter and provisions of the 1885 Constitution.”
“The state will not tolerate such an unconstitutional deviation,” Uthmeier wrote, also warning that the city’s large Cuban-American population is especially sensitive to actions that resemble authoritarian governance. “They know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power,” he added.
Governor DeSantis echoed that sentiment on social media, calling the move “wrong” and promising a “swift legal response” if the change is enacted.
Supporters Say It’s About Turnout and Cost
Despite the criticism, city leaders backing the decision insist it’s about good governance. By shifting municipal elections to even-numbered years, when federal and state elections are held, officials say voter turnout will increase and costs will decrease.
“Miami shouldn’t keep holding elections when so few vote,” said Mayor Francis Suarez, who has held office since 2017. “Even-year elections mean higher turnout, stronger mandates, and a government more in step with its people.”
Though Suarez did not vote on the commission’s motion, he has the power to veto it. So far, he has not indicated whether he will exercise that authority.
Former North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin and Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections Alina Garcia also backed the change. “In the end, it’s worth it for your constituents,” Galvin said. Garcia added, “That’s even a larger reason to go out and vote.”
Critics: Change Shouldn’t Happen Without Voters
Still, critics say the process—not the idea—is the problem.
Eileen Higgins, a current Miami-Dade County commissioner and mayoral candidate, said the decision “highlights dysfunction in local government.”
“While I support moving city elections to even years to boost turnout, bypassing voters was wrong,” Higgins said. “Elections should proceed this November as planned.”
Commissioners Joe Carollo and Miguel Angel Gabela were the only two to vote against the delay. A legal challenge appears likely, with state officials hinting at court action and some candidates exploring lawsuits to restore the original election timeline.
With lawsuits looming and political pressure mounting, the battle over when Miami votes could become one of the most consequential local election fights in recent history.
