Fact Check: "18 candidates filed for Miami mayor and commissioner seats before election delay!"
What We Know
Recent reports confirm that the Miami City Commission voted to postpone the city's November 2025 election to November 2026. This decision has sparked controversy, particularly because it extends the terms of current officials, including Mayor Francis Suarez and Commissioner Joe Carollo. Notably, it was reported that 18 candidates had already filed for the mayoral and commissioner positions prior to this election delay (CBS News Miami, Miami Herald).
The postponement has been characterized by critics as a "power grab," arguing that it disenfranchises voters who were prepared to participate in the upcoming election (CBS News Miami). The city’s decision to shift from odd-year to even-year elections aims to increase voter turnout, but it has raised legal questions about the authority of the city to make such changes without voter approval (Miami Herald).
Analysis
The claim that 18 candidates filed for Miami mayor and commissioner seats before the election delay is supported by multiple credible sources. The Miami Herald, a well-established local news outlet, reported this figure in the context of the city commission's controversial decision to postpone the election (Miami Herald). CBS News Miami also corroborated this information, highlighting the implications of the election delay on the candidates and the electoral process (CBS News Miami).
Both sources are reliable, as they are reputable news organizations with a history of covering local politics and elections. The Miami Herald, in particular, has a long-standing reputation for journalistic integrity and thorough reporting on South Florida issues. The mention of the candidates filing before the election delay is a critical detail that adds weight to the argument against the postponement, as it reflects the readiness of the electoral process and the potential disenfranchisement of voters.
Conclusion
The claim that 18 candidates filed for Miami mayor and commissioner seats before the election delay is True. This conclusion is based on consistent reporting from credible news sources that confirm the number of candidates and the context surrounding the election postponement. The decision to delay the election not only affects the candidates but also raises significant concerns about voter rights and the electoral process in Miami.
