According to The Miami Herald, the power players currently shaping Miami-Dade’s landscape are doing so by pouring millions into the campaign coffers of local officials. For many critics, it raises urgent questions about whose interests are being served in Black and Brown communities.
Despite 2025 being an off-election year, the 13 county commissioners and the Mayor still managed to rake in a staggering $6.7 million. The Herald revealed that this massive “war chest” was largely built by a small, wealthy circle of developers and county vendors—the very people whose multi-million dollar contracts and zoning deals directly impact neighborhoods.
Leading the donor list is developer Michael Swerdlow, whose firm gave $185,000. While his projects include “affordable housing,” they often involve the redevelopment of public housing complexes and county land, such as the $3 billion Little River venture.
Companies like Transportation America (which runs transit shuttles) and Horsepower Electric (which manages streetlights) were among the top donors. The report also highlighted a $400,000 transfer between a committee backing Miami Commissioner Christine King and one linked to County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Here is the breakdown of the fundraising landscape, as detailed by Miami Herald, written as a narrative that highlights the power dynamics at play in Miami-Dade.
At the very top of the mountain is Commission Chair Anthony Rodriguez, who has amassed a staggering $2,071,133. As the man who controls the commission’s agenda and committee assignments, his war chest is more than double his closest colleague. Following him is Danielle Cohen Higgins, who raised $918,920, solidifying her position as a major power player in the county’s future.
Four officials crossed or neared the half-million-dollar mark last year, signaling intense interest from outside donors in their districts:
- Juan Carlos Bermudez brought in $522,050.
- Marleine Bastien raised $511,370.
- Mayor Daniella Levine Cava raised $503,050, and René Garcia followed closely with $476,371.
In the mid-range of the pack, we see names synonymous with Miami’s political establishment. Keon Hardemon recorded $462,000 (bolstered by a massive $400,000 transfer from a committee linked to Miami City Commissioner Christine King). Meanwhile, Raquel Regalado raised $359,716, and Oliver Gilbert, a key voice in transit and development, brought in $200,500.
Perhaps most telling is how quickly the money moves for those newly appointed to power. Natalie Milian Orbis and Vicki Lopez were both appointed to their seats in 2025, yet in that short window, they managed to raise $400,800 and $132,750, respectively. This “instant” fundraising highlights how the donor circuit immediately circles new decision-makers to secure their interests.
The remaining totals show a quieter fundraising pace, but the “war chests” remain ready:
- Roberto Gonzalez: $98,000
- Micky Steinberg: $91,700
- Kionne McGhee: $5,000
With term limits now in effect, commissioners are becoming even more aggressive in their fundraising as they eye higher offices.
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