MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – With the primary victories behind them, Democrat James Reyes and Republican Rosie Cordero-Stutz now have their sights set on November, where one of them will become Miami-Dade’s first elected sheriff in over 60 years.
Both candidates are seasoned law enforcement veterans.
Cordero-Stutz, a 28-year veteran of the Miami-Dade Police Department, rose to the rank of assistant director and led the transition team for the upcoming separation from the county.
Reyes, with 22 years in the Broward Sheriff’s Office, was recruited to lead Miami-Dade Corrections and later served as chief of public safety under Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s administration, becoming part of her endorsed slate of Democrats.
Despite their party affiliations, both candidates emphasize that their focus as sheriff will be on protecting and serving all residents of Miami-Dade County.
Cordero-Stutz stressed the need for officers to return to patrol duties, while Reyes discussed the importance of opening lines of communication.
Looking ahead, Cordero-Stutz predicted a professional working relationship with the county, though she expressed concerns about potential budget cuts to the new sheriff’s office.
“It’s important that we have a working relationship but what I’m not going to do is be a puppet,” she said.
Meanwhile, Reyes acknowledged the need for fresh perspectives, one of the reasons he took on the role of chief of public safety.
As the November election approaches, Miami-Dade voters are preparing to make history with their choice for the county’s first elected sheriff in over six decades.
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