MIAMI — An agreement struck between Miami mayoral candidate Emilio Gonzalez and the city on Wednesday will ― at least temporarily ― lift a stay keeping his and other candidates’ names off the November ballot.
It comes as officials appeal Gonzalez’s lawsuit overturning a 3-2 June city commission vote to move November’s commission and mayoral elections to coincide with the 2026 general election.
A judge sided with Gonzalez on July 21 after Gonzalez’s legal team contended that the city’s vote to postpone the election could only be done by Miami voters, an argument backed by Florida’s attorney general, who said the move was unconstitutional.
Proponents have said the change would boost voter turnout. Critics have called it a power grab.
The judge’s ruling siding with Gonzalez included an automatic stay “because it is a public body,” legal analyst David Weinstein said.
With the stay lifted following the agreement, Weinstein, who isn’t involved in the case, said, “As of right now, the candidates are on the ballot in the upcoming election.”
“However, if the (Third District Court of Appeals) reverses the trial judge’s original decision, the stay would automatically be reinstated,” Weinstein said. “If (it) affirms her decision, the city reserves the right to seek to have her reimpose the stay.”
In a statement, Gonzalez said, “Today’s decision to lift the stay is yet another clear signal — that the courts agree with the City of Miami’s decision to cancel the November 2025 election for Mayor and Commissioner is illegal. This is clear victory for Miami voters.”
Local 10 News has not heard back from representatives for the city of Miami or its commissioners who voted for the ordinance after making requests for comment.
A three-judge panel heard oral arguments in the city’s appeal on Tuesday.
No matter what happens, the November ballot will feature questions about term limits and the creation of a citizens’ redistricting committee.
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