Miami commissioner reveals cancer diagnosis, runs for reelection

Miami Commissioner Manolo Reyes revealed that he has cancer, but is continuing with campaign plans for his re-election.

Reyes, 79-year-old native of Cuba, confirmed his leukemia diagnosis with the Miami Herald on Monday.

The commissioner said he had been working from home since September after falling ill. He underwent tests after his illness persisted and his diagnosis was confirmed in late September.

“It was horrible news,” he said. “But the only thing is to believe in the Lord, get the best medical treatment that you can get, and fight it.”

Reyes is a cancer survivor who went into remission in 2019 after quietly undergoing treatment. He did not disclose his diagnosis at the time, and he did not miss any City Commission meetings during that treatment, he said.

He said he does not believe his diagnosis should be news since it does not affect his performance as a commissioner. He did, however, tell his staff, other city commissioners, and city manager.

Reyes, a former city budget analyst and Miami-Dade Schools teacher, serves District 4, representing Flagami and Coral Way. He was first elected to the City of Miami Commission in 2017 by an overwhelming 57% of the vote to complete the final two years of Francis Suarez’s term following Suarez’s election as mayor. In 2019, Reyes was re-elected without opposition.

He is currently seeking re-election for a second full term and says he is feeling "strong" and healthy.