Monica Matteo-Salinas (D), Monique Pardo Pope (R) square off in Miami Beach Commission runoff

Early voting is underway in Miami Beach ahead of a Dec. 9 runoff that will decide the city’s only open Commission seat — a head-to-head contest between Monica Matteo-Salinas and Monique Pardo Pope for the Group 1 seat.

Matteo-Salinas, a Democrat and longtime City Hall aide, finished first last month with 23.2% of the vote. Pardo Pope, a Republican lawyer, advanced with 20.1%.

They outpaced four other candidates competing to succeed outgoing Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez last month, but neither captured a large enough share of the vote — more than 50% — to win outright.

The runoff has sharpened into a choice between two contrasting résumés, platforms and campaign narratives along with a late-cycle revelation about Pardo Pope that has drawn national headlines.



https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768656-monica-matteo-salinas-monique-pardo-pope-square-off-in-miami-beach-commission-runoff/

Hialeah voters head to polls as City Commission runoffs test new Mayor's political clout

Early voting is underway in Hialeah as two Council runoff contests will decide who rounds out a markedly different dais at City Hall.

The Group 3 and Group 4 races — featuring Jessica Castillo versus Gelien Perez and William “Willy” Marrero versus Javier Morejon, respectively — also stand to determine whether new Mayor Bryan Calvo gains early influence over the Council.

Perez and Castillo advanced to the Group 3 runoff in last month’s General Election with 40.5% and 36% of the vote, respectively, leaving one third-place candidate behind.

In Group 4, Marrero narrowly led the field with 24.8%, followed by Morejon at 23.3%. They outpaced three others in the contest.



https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768659-hialeah-voters-head-to-polls-as-city-commission-runoffs-test-new-mayors-political-clout/

Eileen Higgins (D) to campaign in Miami with Ruben Gallego ahead of Special (runoff) Election for Mayor

Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins will continue her early voting push with several appearances across Miami alongside U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego of Arizona on Sunday.

“As Miamians turn out for Early Voting, Commissioner Higgins will highlight her vision for restoring trust at City Hall, ending corruption, and delivering a city government that works for residents,” her campaign said.

“The day will feature a canvass launch, Early Vote stops, and a volunteer phone bank to mobilize voters ahead of the Dec. 9 election.”

Higgins, who is running to be Miami’s first woman Mayor, will make her first stop at 10:30 a.m. at the Mision Nuestar Senñora de la Altagracia church, located at 1179 NW 28th St., followed by a visit to Christ Episcopal Church at 3481 Hibiscus St. an hour later.



https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768522-eileen-higgins-to-campaign-in-miami-with-ruben-gallego-ahead-of-special-election-for-mayor/

Redistricting supporters outnumber opponents at Maryland meeting

Supporters of mid-decade redistricting in Maryland showed up in force for a virtual meeting of a state advisory commission Friday, calling on state leaders to redo congressional maps to oppose President Donald Trump (R).

It was the third hearing of the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission and the third different outcome: Redistricting opponents dominated the first hearing and the second was nearly evenly split. Redistricting proponents dominated Friday’s meeting, thanks to a slew of climate and civil rights advocates, union leaders, a few retired federal employees and even a high school student.

Also joining the chorus was Bobby LaPin, the Maryland social media personality who has announced his intention to run against Senate President Bill Ferguson (D- Baltimore City), a commission member who opposes mid-cycle redistricting.

The commission will meet at least once more, on Dec. 12, to hear public comment.




https://marylandmatters.org/2025/12/05/redistricting-supporters-outnumber-opponents-at-maryland-meeting/

Sue Bird UConn Jersey Retirement Ceremony (Video)

Early voting underway for Miami Mayor's runoff between Eileen Higgins (D), Emilio Gonzlez (R)

Early voting is underway in Miami as former County Commissioner Eileen Higgins and former City Manager Emilio González enter the final stretch of a closely watched Dec. 9 mayoral runoff.

The two candidates rose from a 13-person field Nov. 4, with Higgins winning about 36% of the vote and González taking 19.5%. Because neither surpassed 50%, Miami voters must now choose between contrasting visions for a city grappling with affordability, rising seas, political dysfunction and rapid growth.

Both promise to bring more stability and accountability to City Hall. Both say Miami’s permitting process needs fixing.

Higgins, a mechanical engineer and eight-year county commissioner with a broad, international background in government service, has emphasized affordable housing — urging the city to build on public land and create a dedicated housing trust fund — and supports expanding the City Commission from five to nine members to improve neighborhood representation.



https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768636-early-voting-underway-for-miami-mayors-runoff-between-eileen-higgins-emilio-gonzalez/

Eileen Higgins (D) brings out starpower as special election campaign nears close

Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins is enlisting more big names as support at early vote stops ahead of Tuesday’s special election for Mayor, including a Senate candidate, a former Senate candidate, and a current candidate for Governor.

During her canvass kickoff at 10 a.m at Elizabeth Virrick Park, Higgins will appear with U.S. Senate Candidate Hector Mujica.

Early vote stops follow, with Higgins solo at the 11 a.m. show-up at Miami City Hall and the 11:30 at the Shenandoah Library.

From there, big names from Orlando will be with the candidate.

Orange County Mayor and candidate for Florida Governor Jerry Demings and former Congresswoman Val Demings will appear with Higgins at the Liberty Square Family & Friends Picnic (2 p.m.), Charles Hadley Park (3 p.m.), and the Carrie P. Meek Senior and Cultural Center (3:30 p.m.)



https://floridapolitics.com/archives/768617-eileen-higgins-brings-out-starpower-as-special-election-campaign-nears-close/

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