The City of Miami Gardens has officially closed its qualifying period for the upcoming General Election on August 18, 2026. As the largest predominantly Black city in Florida, these local races represent more than just seats on a dais; they are a direct line to the policies that shape our neighborhoods, business climate, and youth opportunities. With three pivotal seats on the ballot, voters will choose between veteran advocates and emerging voices ready to lead.
At Hy-Lo News, we believe that local elections are the most crucial point of participation for our community. The Miami Gardens City Council makes decisions that affect your property values, your safety, and your pocketbook every single day. Below, we have compiled a guide to the candidates in each race to help you make an informed decision at the ballot box.
Residential Area Seat 2 Candidates
Lavern V. Deer
Lavern V. Deer is a dedicated community advocate known for her extensive work in international relations and community development. With a strong background in public service, she has been a vocal proponent for increasing the city’s visibility on the global stage while ensuring that local residents remain the priority in economic growth strategies.
If elected, Deer intends to focus on creating sustainable economic opportunities for small businesses within the Gardens. Her platform emphasizes “community-first” development, ensuring that new infrastructure projects provide living-wage jobs for residents and that the city’s growth is inclusive of its long-standing neighborhoods.
Learn more: Campaign Website
Paul V. Wilson, Jr.
Paul V. Wilson, Jr. is a seasoned educator and community leader with over 20 years of experience in the urban core. A graduate of Florida A&M University, he currently serves as a Senior Associate at Public Consulting Group and is the Governor’s appointee to the Florida Council on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. He has a proven track record in curriculum development and community outreach.
Wilson’s vision for Miami Gardens centers on “Equality vs. Equity.” If elected, he plans to leverage his professional expertise to bridge the educational and economic gaps in the city. He is committed to fostering safe environments for youth, improving literacy rates, and ensuring that city policies reflect a deep commitment to diversity and accessibility for all residents.
Learn more: Campaign Website
Residential Area Seat 4 Candidates
Mykita Cherry-Prime
A lifelong resident and educator within the Miami-Dade County Public School system, Mykita Cherry-Prime currently chairs the city’s Progressive Young Adults Advisory Committee. She is an active member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and operates a local property management firm. Her work with President Obama’s “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative highlights her dedication to youth mentorship.
Cherry-Prime’s platform is built on the mantra “It takes a village.” If elected, she seeks to preserve family values through policies that support young adults and provide social engagement opportunities. She plans to use her background in administrative management to streamline city services and advocate for property owners’ rights while maintaining the unique charm of Miami Gardens.
Learn more: Campaign Website
Rod Mack
Rod Mack enters the race for Seat 4 with a focus on community empowerment and fiscal responsibility. Known for his presence in local civic circles, Mack has been a consistent voice at council meetings, advocating for the responsible allocation of city funds and the protection of residential areas from over-development.
If elected to the council, Mack intends to prioritize neighborhood beautification and infrastructure repairs. He is focused on ensuring that the city’s budget directly benefits residential areas, specifically through improved lighting, road maintenance, and the expansion of community parks and recreation facilities.
Learn more: Campaign Website
Angela Maria Wynter
Angela Maria Wynter is a dedicated community servant who emphasizes the importance of legacy and stability in Miami Gardens. Her background in community service has seen her working closely with local non-profits to address food insecurity and provide resources for the city’s most vulnerable populations.
Wynter’s primary objective if elected is to address the affordability crisis by expanding the city’s housing programs. She aims to create a “Stability First” agenda that includes financial literacy workshops for residents and initiatives that support long-term homeownership, ensuring that residents aren’t priced out of their own community.
Learn more: Campaign Website
At-Large Seat 6 Candidates
Erhabor Ighodaro
Dr. Erhabor Ighodaro is a former councilman and professor at Florida Memorial University with a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. An expert in urban justice and public management, he has spent years teaching in Miami-Dade Public Schools and leading the Dr. Robert B. Ingram Foundation. He is a business owner with deep roots in chemical manufacturing and landscaping.
Ighodaro is running on a platform of “Restoring the Gardens.” If elected, he plans to utilize his background in conflict resolution to heal community divisions and create safer neighborhoods. He is also committed to economic development, specifically by helping local entrepreneurs secure government contracts and fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts high-tech industries to the city.
Learn more: Facebook | LinkedIn
Robert Stephens (Incumbent)
The current Vice Mayor, Robert L. Stephens III, is a faith leader and educator who serves as the Senior Pastor of Logos Baptist Church. A graduate of FIU, he has a long history in higher education administration and founded The Grace Center, a ministry dedicated to community outreach. He has chaired the South Florida Youth Summit and serves on multiple nonprofit boards.
Stephens is running for re-election to continue his mission of servant leadership. His goals for a second term include expanding youth development programs, strengthening ministry-community partnerships, and continuing to mobilize volunteers for city-wide service. His leadership is grounded in the belief that the greatest leaders are those who serve the most disadvantaged in their community.
Learn more: City Profile
VOTER INFO BOX
- Election Date: August 18, 2026
- Location: Miami Gardens Residents vote at their designated precinct.
- Poll Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Registration Deadline: Ensure you are registered at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov by July 20.
Early Voting: Dates and locations will be announced by the Miami-Dade Elections Department in early August.
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