Miami Commissioner Joe Carollo Enters Crowded 2025 Mayoral Race

Miami City Commissioner Joe Carollo, aged 70, has officially entered the 2025 Miami mayoral race, filing just before the deadline and declaring this would be his final campaign for public office. Carollo brings over four decades of political experience, having first been elected in 1979 and previously serving two non-consecutive terms as mayor in the late 1990s. The race is highly competitive with 13 candidates, including notable figures such as Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, former City Commissioner Ken Russell, and former Mayor Xavier Suarez, with whom Carollo has a history of contentious elections. Despite legal controversies, including a $63.5 million judgment against him in a political retaliation case, Carollo remains confident he will advance to a runoff, emphasizing his commitment to the city over personal ambition. His campaign launch was marked by strong support from local political allies and a significant turnout of supporters. The election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, setting the stage for a competitive and closely watched contest.