The special election in Miami's District 4 is shaping up to significantly alter the city's political landscape following the passing of City Commissioner Manolo Reyes. Voters are poised to choose between Ralph Rosado and Jose Regalado to fill the void, and tensions have been running notably high as familial dynasties and political alliances bring drama to the forefront of this election. According to NBC Miami, this race is not just about the two candidates but also about the legacies and influence of two entrenched political families in Miami, the Carollos and the Regalados.
The tension between these families has manifested in an exchange of political endorsements and accusations. Commissioner Joe Carollo openly supports Rosado, while Regalado accuses Carollo of spending "over a million dollars in 30 days to attack my family," according to NBC Miami. Rosado has been attempting to clearly separate himself from the political drama, insisting that he's running his own campaign and hopes to be the voice of reason on the commission. Meanwhile, Regalado's campaign has been fueled by double the fundraising power of his opponent, which totaled at $190,870, and has received the backing of his family, including his sister and County Commissioner Raquel Regalado, who acts as his campaign manager.
With the city commission requiring just three votes to pass legislation, the outcome of this election could swing the balance of power. The Miami Herald highlights that Regalado, if victorious, may become a crucial tiebreaker and often find himself in contrast to Carollo's positions. On the flip side, Rosado, who lost to Reyes back in 2017, maintains that despite the endorsements, he will be an independent voice on the commission.
The race also brings financial weight with significant sums being channeled into the campaigns. Rosado’s political committee, Citizens For Ethics In Government, has raised approximately $270,000, while Regalado’s support comes in part from his father Tomás Regalado's political committee, Proven Leadership for Miami, which had about $60,000 on hand earlier in the year, as per The Miami Herald. Despite the intense campaign spending, Rosado assures that he's not looking to bring back old alliances or past employees, such as former Miami City Attorney Victoria Méndez, to the city in any capacity.
Election Day voting is obligatory at assigned polling stations from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with a sample ballot available on the city's website for voter reference. For those keeping tabs, The Miami Herald is slated to report on the election results soon after the closure of the polls.
