A former Florida chief executive says former City Manager Emilio González is the best choice to lead the city of Miami.
In a new X post[1], U.S. Sen. Rick Scott — Florida’s immediate past Governor — announced his support, citing González’s military service, government experience and dedication to the “Magic City.”
“With 26 years in the Army and service at every level, Emilio will make Miami a city where families thrive, businesses grow, and government works for everyone,” Scott said.
“I’ve worked with him since I was Governor of Florida, and now I know he will bring that same dedication to the people of Miami.”
Scott’s endorsement, combined with a prior nod from Gov. Ron DeSantis, means González has exclusive support from the men who have led Florida’s executive branch for the past 14-plus years.
Others backing González include 11 former[2] police officials[3], former Miami Director of Human Services Milton Vickers[4], mixed martial arts star Jorge Masvidal[5] and Emmy Award-winning reporter Michael Putney[6], among others.
Miami International Airport (MIA[7]) workers union AFSCME Local 1542[8], construction trade group Associated Builders and Contractors[9], the Miami Young Republicans[10] and Log Cabin Republicans[11] of Miami have also endorsed González.
In a statement, González thanked Scott for his support, calling him “a leader who understands what it means to put service before politics.”
“We’ve worked together to strengthen Florida’s economy, create opportunities for families, and make government accountable to the people it serves,” he said. “I’m honored to have his support as we continue that mission here in Miami.”
González is a U.S. Army veteran who rose to the rank of colonel and served as Director of Citizenship and Immigration Services at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush.
He also worked as CEO of MIA from 2013 to 2017 and as Miami City Manager from 2017 to 2020.
He currently holds several professional and appointed roles, as listed on his LinkedIn profile[12].
González successfully sued[13] Miami in July to stop officials, including Mayor Francis Suarez, from delaying the city’s election by a year, to November 2026. An appellate court then upheld the decision[14].
He is one of 13 candidates[15] who qualified for the Mayor’s race. In an X post[16] Monday, González said the top issue for residents this cycle is “ending corruption” at City Hall.
“Residents are tired of the circus,” he wrote. “We are better than what we have now. Let’s not settle for mediocrity.”
Other Republicans running include Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo, former Miami Commissioner Alex Díaz de la Portilla, Christian Cevallos, Alyssa Crocker and June Savage.
Democrats running include Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins, former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell, Ellijah Bowdre and Michael Hepburn.
Laura Anderson, Kenneth DeSantis and former Miami Mayor Xavier Suarez, who previously served as a Miami-Dade Commissioner and is the current Mayor’s father, have no party affiliation.
The Miami Mayor’s race is technically nonpartisan.
Miami’s General Election is Nov. 4. If no mayoral candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will compete in a runoff.
References
- ^ X post (x.com)
- ^ 11 former (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ police officials (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Milton Vickers (www.facebook.com)
- ^ Jorge Masvidal (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Michael Putney (www.facebook.com)
- ^ MIA (www.miami-airport.com)
- ^ AFSCME Local 1542 (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Associated Builders and Contractors (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Miami Young Republicans (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ Log Cabin Republicans (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ LinkedIn profile (www.linkedin.com)
- ^ successfully sued (www.miamiherald.com)
- ^ upheld the decision (floridapolitics.com)
- ^ 13 candidates (www.voterfocus.com)
- ^ X post (x.com)