MIAMI — Miami Mayor Francis Suarez’s father, Xavier L. Suarez announced on Monday that he was endorsing Emilio González as the next Miami mayor.

González, a former city manager, and Xavier L. Suarez, who served as Miami mayor from 1985 to 1993 and from 1997 to 1998, were among the 13 Miami mayoral candidates who ran on Nov. 4.

Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins received 36% of the total vote, but needed more than 50% to win. González followed with 19%, so Higgins will be running against him during the Dec. 9 runoff election.

Xavier L. Suarez, who received about 5% of the total vote on Nov. 4, said Gonzalez had displayed integrity, professionalism, empathy, and compassion when he served as Miami’s city manager, Miami-Dade Aviation Department director, and as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service director.

“Emilio has shown he is a courageous reformer, when he raised private funds to challenge legislation by the commission that would have extended their terms unconstitutionally,” Xavier L. Suarez wrote.

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Miami mayoral race: Xavier Suarez endorses Emilio González

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Andrea Torres