MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – More than a dozen candidates, most of whom are Republicans, are vying to become Miami-Dade County’s first elected sheriff in six decades.
The position of elected sheriff was re-established after voters approved a constitutional change in 2018. Miami-Dade, up until the new sheriff takes office, remains the only county in the state without an elected sheriff; the Miami-Dade Police Department director is appointed by the county’s mayor.
In the 2024 primaries, 11 Republicans and four Democrats are vying for the office.
“I’m looking for somebody who’s away from (the political influence),” voter Jorge Oliva said in Westchester Tuesday.
That influence is on full display in public and behind the scenes. Among Democrats, James Reyes, Miami-Dade’s public safety chief, has the county party leadership backing.
Republican Rosie Cordero-Stutz, an MDPD assistant director, called a news conference to claim a rightful Trump endorsement.
All the candidates have law enforcement backgrounds, all but one in uniform.
Through several debates and forums, candidates are vying to set themselves apart.
“Do the research,” voter Mercy Mendoza said. “Check out who you think, because who you think might not be who you think.”
The winners of the Democratic and Republican primaries on Aug. 20 will face each other in November.