In the wake of Mayor Esteban Bovo Jr.'s resignation, Councilwoman Jacqueline García-Roves stepped into the role of interim mayor of Hialeah, making history as the first woman to ever hold this position in the city's century-long existence. The city now faces a pivotal special election with five candidates, led by García-Roves, who are committed to addressing two pressing issues: the high cost of water and sewer services and housing affordability.
The political landscape shifted significantly when René García, previously a frontrunner, withdrew from the race and endorsed García-Roves; another candidate was disqualified due to residency issues, as noted by Verónica Egui Brito in El Nuevo Herald. Here, we introduce the current candidates vying for the mayoral position on Tuesday, November 4.
Jacqueline García-Roves: A Vision for Cost Reduction
As the 2024 President of the Council and interim mayor by succession, García-Roves positions herself as the only candidate with a detailed strategy to reduce water and sewer costs. She claims to have eliminated the water franchise fee, resulting in an annual savings of $3.7 million for residents. Her campaign promises include lowering taxes without compromising public safety and enhancing municipal services.
Her campaign reported raising $69,200 between April and June, backed by real estate, entertainment, restaurant, and legal sectors. With deep local roots as the daughter of political advisor Bernardo García-Roves, she emphasizes her past opposition, as vice-chair of the council, to the county's $2.5 billion bond.
"I fully understand the challenges facing Hialeah's families. I have shown my commitment to tackling these issues head-on (...) I am also focused on reducing taxes without sacrificing public safety and improving services," García-Roves told the Miami Herald.
Jesús Tundidor: Championing Affordable Housing
Serving as a councilman since 2019, Tundidor was seen as Bovo's natural successor until René García's entry and subsequent exit from the race. He has raised over $280,000, significantly outpacing other candidates, with strong support from real estate, construction, and hospitality sectors.
Tundidor led an affordable housing task force aimed at increasing low-cost units in new developments and boasts a technical background: former Vice President of Zoning and Planning, a degree in Political Science, and an MBA from FIU. He works as an operations director in healthcare, blending political ascent with corporate backing.
Bryan Calvo: The Young Maverick
Former Councilman Bryan Calvo, the youngest ever elected in Hialeah at 23, presents himself as an outsider to the "establishment." He advocates for reducing bureaucracy, abolishing public pensions, and lowering water bills. During his tenure, he pushed for electronic meters and the elimination of franchise fees (initially rejected but later suspended by Bovo, saving $3.8 million).
Calvo reported $14,000 raised and $49,000 in personal loans for his campaign. A FIU law graduate with a government degree from Harvard and Italian certification, he promises to cut waste, fight corruption, and prioritize residents.
"Families in Hialeah pay too much and receive too little. Water bills are exorbitant, taxes keep rising, and services are lacking. The most urgent issue is affordability, and I will bring real relief by reducing waste and putting residents first," he claimed to the Miami Herald.
Bernardino "Benny" Rodríguez: Emphasis on Economic Revival
Entrepreneur and longtime public servant, Rodríguez aims to rejuvenate the economy by revitalizing key industries, enforcing strict audits, promoting transparency, and maintaining zero tolerance for crime. He vows not to take a salary if elected and plans to establish scholarship programs for outstanding students.
Graduating from Miami Dade College, Rodríguez frames his campaign as one of "smart and sustainable growth."
Marc Anthony Salvat: Advocate for Future Generations
Real estate agent and influencer Marc Anthony Salvat, at 31, focuses his platform on reducing water and sewer fees, cutting property taxes without affecting services, promoting affordable housing, and legalizing "efficiencies" compliant with city codes. He asserts that he is not a politician and seeks neither salary nor pension, focusing instead on "the next generation" over "the next election."
"My proposal is to keep more money in residents' pockets and protect the American dream in Hialeah. As I'm not a politician, I owe no political favors, nor am I interested in salary or pension," he remarked to the Miami Herald.
The election outcome will determine how and with whom the city will tackle water bills, housing, and day-to-day management in Miami-Dade's second-most populous city. Hialeah, founded in 1925, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. It boasts over 221,000 residents and a budget of $485 million, operating under a strong mayoral system where the executive holds significant administrative power.
Key Questions About Hialeah's Mayoral Election
What are the main issues the candidates are addressing?
The main issues being addressed by the candidates are the high cost of water and sewer services and housing affordability.
Who is Jacqueline García-Roves, and what is her plan?
Jacqueline García-Roves is the interim mayor and council president for 2024. She proposes a detailed plan to reduce water and sewer costs, having already eliminated the water franchise fee, saving residents $3.7 million annually.
How does Jesús Tundidor contribute to affordable housing?
Jesús Tundidor chaired a task force on affordable housing to increase low-cost units in new developments, drawing on his technical expertise and political experience.
What is Bryan Calvo's stance on government spending?
Bryan Calvo advocates for reducing government waste, abolishing public pensions, and prioritizing residents by lowering water bills and taxes.