Equality Florida endorses Gongora, Roberts, Exposito, Bower in upcoming Miami Beach election
Equality Florida has announced its Miami Beach endorsements and they mirror SAVE Dade's:
Elections for Miami Beach Mayor and City Commission are coming up on November 5th. The Equality Florida Action PAC has endorsed candidates in all four races. Each of these candidates is a champion for LGBT equality. You can help ensure they win by donating to their campaigns or spending a few hours volunteering with them. Continue reading to learn more about our endorsed candidates.
Michael Gongora, Mayor of Miami Beach
Michael Gongora is running to be the first openly gay Mayor of Miami Beach. During his time on the commission, Michael has been a stand out champion for LGBT equality. He led the charge for a tax equity policy for city employees; was an honorary member of the Miami LGBT Sports and Cultural League, which successfully bid to bring the World Out Games to Miami Beach in 2017; and has sponsored numerous resolutions in favor of LGBT equality, such as ending the FDA ban on gay blood donors. Michael has been endorsed by SAVE Dade and the Miami Herald.
Sherry Roberts, City Commission Group I
Sherry Roberts is an out lesbian running for City Commission and has a strong business background. She received a 100% rating on our candidate questionnaire and recently has been endorsed by SAVE Dade, the local LGBT advocacy organization, and Senator Gwen Margolis.
Jorge Exposito, City Commission Group II
Jorge is running for reelection and has been a friend to the LGBT community while serving on the commission. He was the Chair of the Hispanic Affairs Committee when they supported the Miami Beach HRO in 1992. When first elected to the Commission, he worked with the Police Chief to appoint an LGBT liaison. Most recently, he supported an Equal Benefits Ordinance and a Tax Equity Policy for Miami Beach. He received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and has been endorsed by SAVE Dade.
Matti Herrera Bower, City Commission Group III
Matti Bower has served as Mayor of Miami Beach for the last 14 years and has been a true champion for the LGBT community. Under Matti's leadership, Miami Beach has led the way in passing pro-lgbt policies on the local level and set the bar for other communities. While she has been Mayor, the city has established a GLBT Business Task Force; started a Pride festival; passed an equal benefits ordinance - the first in the state; and passed the strongest tax equity policy to date. She received a 100% on our candidate questionnaire and has been endorsed by SAVE Dade.
Early vote goes from Monday, October 21st to Sunday, November 3rd and election day is Tuesday, November 5th.