A legacy media publication famously claims that “Democracy Dies in Darkness.” In Miami-Dade County, however, democracy is dying in broad daylight. A substantial majority of local incumbents are cruising to re-election without a single challenger in either the primary or general election. Their only potential barrier to continued tenure is statutory term limits. In some cases, incumbents were appointed to their posts and have never faced the voters at all.
I. State Representatives
At least five of the roughly dozen local state representatives have already secured re-election without opposition:
House District 110: Tom Fabricio (R-Miami Lakes)
House District 111: David Borrero (R-Doral)
House District 112: Alex Rizo (R-Hialeah)
House District 114: Demi Busatta (R-Coral Gables)
House District 120: Jim Mooney (R-Florida Keys)
The following incumbents have also advanced to the November general election without primary challengers:
House District 115: Omar Blanco (R-Dadeland)
House District 116: Ashley Perez-Biliskov (R-Westchester), sister of outgoing Republican House Speaker Danny Perez
House District 119: Juan Carlos Porras (R-The Hammocks)
Your correspondent expects to endorse every one of these legislators in the general election. Still, representative government would be healthier if incumbents were forced to defend their records, character, and policies before the voters.
A few races remain contested:
House District 113 (Brickell, Coconut Grove, Little Havana, Shenandoah, and Key Biscayne): Republicans Tony Diaz and Bruno Barreiro are waging spirited primary campaigns against RINO Frank Lago. See: Tony Diaz for Florida House District 113. Lago has distributed mailers featuring his photo beside President Trump’s, despite no involvement or endorsement from Trump. See: Fishy Frank Lago Is Swimming to an Open Seat Near You.
House District 117 (Homestead and Florida City): Republican Miguel Granda is challenging incumbent Democrat Kevin Chambliss in the general election.
House District 118 (mostly unincorporated areas near Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport): Incumbent Republican Mike Redondo, the incoming House Speaker, faces a primary challenge from independent Republican Marco Insua, who lives in the district.
Hellbound and Down 