More than 250 people packed into Lorna’s Caribbean & American Grill in Miami Gardens earlier this month as community members, elected officials, celebrities and former NFL players showed up in strong support of Roderick “Rod” Mack’s campaign for City Council Seat 4. The campaign’s team members shared that energy in the room felt less like a traditional political event and more like a community reunion—one rooted in pride, relationships and a shared vision for the future of the city.
According to event organizers, the March 4th kickoff brought together a wide range of familiar faces including Pro Football Hall of Famer Edgerrin James, former NFL players Damione Lewis and Samari Rolle, Orange Bowl Committee leader Henri Crockett, rapper and restaurateur Trick Daddy, Jesus People Ministiries Pastor, Richelle A. Lorde, along with Miami Gardens elected officials– including Councilwoman Katrina Wilson who currently holds Miami Gardens seat 4.
In a city where residents often question whether candidates are truly connected to the community, Mack’s kickoff was a reflection of someone who is not only known, but deeply rooted.
Mack is a homegrown product of Miami Gardens. Raised in the community, he often describes himself as being shaped by its culture, values and people. His journey started at Myrtle Grove Elementary in Miami Gardens. He got his start in athletics on local football fields with the North Dade Bulldogs before attending Monsignor Edward Pace High School, where he stood out as both a scholar and athlete. He earned All-Dade and All-State honors, was named team captain and Most Valuable Defensive Player, and later became a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete. In 2016, he was inducted into Pace’s Hall of Fame.
From there, he continued his academic and athletic career at the University of Miami, where he played linebacker as a four-year letterman and graduated with dual degrees in Business Management and Finance.
That foundation took him to Wall Street, where he worked as a financial advisor with Prudential Financial. But Mack says his purpose pulled him back home. He returned to Miami to launch Onyx Financial Management Group, a firm focused on helping professional athletes and families build wealth and financial stability.
Still, it’s his work in the community that many residents know him for most.
In 2010, Mack helped co-found the Miami Gardens Ravens Youth Football Academy, a program that has grown into one of the most recognized youth football organizations in the country. Under his leadership, the program has won 16 national championships, helped produce more than 150 collegiate athletes and provided mentorship to thousands of young people in Miami Gardens. Mack touts that the program has produced more NFL athlethes in it’s teture than most youth programs in South Florida. The program’s impact has even reached internationally, with Mack traveling to Brazil in 2025 to help replicate its model abroad.
Now, he’s looking to take that same community-centered approach into City Hall.
“This campaign is about bringing people together and continuing the important work of putting Miami Gardens first by focusing on safer neighborhoods, cleaner streets, stronger opportunities for our families, and a city government that truly listens to its residents,” Mack said during the kickoff event.
If elected, Mack says his priorities will center on what he calls a “game plan” for the city. That includes investing in youth programs and job readiness initiatives, improving infrastructure with faster repairs to roads and drainage, and enforcing quality-of-life issues like illegal dumping and neighborhood upkeep. He also plans to focus on economic growth by supporting small businesses, streamlining permitting processes and maintaining transparency in city finances. Community access and development are also key pillars of his platform, including expanding access to leadership through open office hours, protecting neighborhoods through smart zoning and continuing investments in parks and community spaces.
“I’m running because I’ve lived the challenges, seen the gaps, and I know that real solutions start right here, in the community,” Mack said. “It’s time to put our community first—on the field, in our neighborhoods, and at City Hall.”
Mack is not running unopposed. Mykita Cherry-Prime has also entered the race for City Council Seat 4, setting up what is expected to be a competitive election season in Miami Gardens.
Residents will have the opportunity to vote in the Miami Gardens municipal election later this year, which is scheduled to take place on August 18, 2026, aligning with the State Primary Election. If no candidate secures a majority, a runoff election would be held on November 3, 2026. The official candidate qualifying period will be set by the City of Miami Gardens and announced by the city clerk. As the race develops, voters and Hy-Lo News will be watching closely to see how each candidate connects with the community and outlines their vision for the city’s future.
Candiate Rod Mack and his family pose for photo at campaign kickoff event. Photo Credit: Rod Mack for a Brighter Future Campaign.
🗳️ HOW TO VOTE: Miami Gardens City Council Seat 4 Election
If you live in Miami Gardens, here’s what you need to know to make your voice heard in this year’s City Council race:
📅 Election Date
The Miami Gardens municipal election will take place on:
👉 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote, a runoff election will be held on:
👉 Tuesday, November 3, 2026
📍 Who Can Vote
To vote in this race, you must:
- Be a registered voter in Miami-Dade County
- Live within Miami Gardens City limits
- Reside specifically in District 4 to vote in this City Council race
🗳️ Voting Options
Voters will be able to cast their ballots through:
- Early Voting (dates announced closer to election)
- Vote-by-Mail Ballots
- Election Day In-Person Voting
🔎 Find Your District & Polling Location
Not sure if you live in District 4 or where to vote? Check here:
👉 https://www.miamidade.gov/elections
💡 Why It Matters
Local elections like this one directly impact your neighborhood—from parks and zoning to public safety and small business development. Your vote helps decide who represents your community at City Hall.
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