As the City of Miami grapples with the idea of rescheduling its municipality elections, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has issued a stark warning against such a move. Uthmeier took to platform 'X' to publish a searing letter yesterday, berating the notion proposed by the city that seeks to align local elections with state and federal ones. He stated, "The citizens of Miami deserve—and are entitled to—the right to make this decision, directly," according to Local 10.
In his communication, Uthmeier detailed his belief that such action was “unconstitutional,” and highlighted the significance of the decision to Miami's Cuban American population, who are all too familiar with regimes that delay elections for their gain. His letter read, "Home to thousands of patriotic Cuban Americans who know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power, the City of Miami owes to its citizens what the law requires." This sentiment was shared by the letter posted on platform 'X' as well. The proposed ordinance, backed by Commissioner Damian Pardo suggests moving the election scheduled for November 4, 2025, to November 3, 2026, and also extending current terms of office as an immediate effect.
Home to thousands of patriotic Cuban Americans who know better than most about regimes that cavalierly delay elections and prolong their terms in power, the City of Miami owes to its citizens what the law requires.
— Attorney General James Uthmeier (@AGJamesUthmeier) June 25, 2025
My latest letter to the City of Miami: pic.twitter.com/8JGCsb2doi
However, this proposal has been met with mixed reactions among the city commissioners. During the ordinance's first reading last Tuesday, June 17, it passed 3-2, with Commissioners Christine King, Damian Pardo, and Ralph "Rafael" Rosado in support, while Joe Carollo and Miguel Angel Gabela voted against it. Reflecting on the controversy, NBC6 political analyst Alex Penelas pointed out a significant risk faced by local elected officials who challenge the state's stance, suggesting that suspension from office could deter commissioners from supporting the ordinance, as detailed by NBC Miami.
Commissioner Mike Gabela, who had sought guidance from the attorney general, expressed concern over elected officials serving an additional year without the consent of the voters. "The voter did not vote for that and at the end of the day, it just does not look good," Gabela told NBC Miami. Moreover, Miami citizens have been vocal about their democratic rights. Among them, Executive Director of Engage Miami, Rebecca Pelham, acknowledged the potential merits of moving elections to even years for better turnout, but questioned the timing of such action. A citizen-led "Stronger Miami" campaign, aiming to put this issue on the 2026 ballot without extending commissioner terms, has already gathered nearly 5,000 petitions, noted Local 10.
As the debate continues, and the second and final reading of the ordinance looms, Uthmeier's letter concludes with a clear stand—“my office reserves the right to consider taking all available actions to prevent this violation of law from occurring,” as noted by Local 10.
