Ralph Rosado emerged victorious in Tuesday’s special election for the City of Miami’s District 4 commission seat, securing just over 55% of the vote.
Rosado will replace the late Commissioner Manolo Reyes, who represented the district until his death in April. With all precincts reporting, Rosado defeated Jose Francisco Regalado, a member of the prominent Regalado political family, who garnered just over 44% of the vote, according to the Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections.
“Ralph Rosado is not going to give anything back to anybody except the people in District 4,” Rosado said following his win. “And this is the swing seat on the commission. And my intention is to always support what I think is right, and I’m going to vote with whoever that happens to be.”
Rosado, a Miami native and former city manager of North Bay Village, runs an urban planning consulting firm and has built a career on securing billions in investment for Miami-Dade and advancing infrastructure projects. His campaign focused on pressing local concerns like drainage problems and housing affordability.
Rosado’s campaign had benefited from support at the highest levels of city leadership, including Mayor Francis Suarez.
“Congratulations Commissioner-elect @Ralphrosado305 on your election to represent District 4,” Suarez posted. “It was an honor to support you in this race and you honored that support with hard work every step of the way. Your victory speaks volumes. It’s the result of tireless days on the ground and a testament to the trust your neighbors have in your leadership and your vision for the future. Welcome to the dais and I look forward to working with you.”
U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar also extended her congratulations, saying, “Congratulations to Commissioner-elect Ralph Rosado on your victory for the City of Miami Commission, District 4. I look forward to working with you to address housing, community needs, and enhance the well-being of the residents of the City of Miami.”
Despite the high-profile race, turnout remained low. Of the 46,742 registered voters in the district, just 11.44% cast ballots.
District 4 includes the neighborhoods of Coral Gate, Shenandoah, and Flagami.
