The race for Hialeah's mayoral position intensifies as Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia announces his candidacy, following Mayor Esteban Bovo's resignation to join a lobbying firm. Despite filing his candidacy documents, Garcia has not ruled out remaining in his current position until the July qualifying period, allowing him time to engage with the community. His indecisiveness has prompted speculation among local politicians, particularly with potential challengers like City Council members Jesus Tundidor and Carl Zogby. The situation is further complicated by a recent consulting agreement involving Garcia's partner and political stability remains a concern as the election approaches.
Garcia noted he has several months before making a final decision on whether to resign his Miami-Dade seat to run for mayor, as state law allows him to wait until the city's qualifying period, which runs from July 7-28. 'It gives me the chance to talk to the residents of Hialeah and see where I can best serve our community,' Garcia told the Miami Herald.
Bovo's office is banking on Garcia remaining in government to provide political stability. Garcia currently occupies the county seat that Bovo vacated when he lost the Miami-Dade mayoral election.
The filing follows the city council's unanimous approval on March 11 of a three-year, $149,976 consulting agreement with NCGA, a lobbying firm led by Terrence 'TC' Wolfe, Garcia's life partner, according to several sources in Hialeah.
Garcia's hesitations about his intentions to run have sparked doubts among local politicians, leading to speculation that he might withdraw before the qualification deadline to prevent other potential candidates, such as Hialeah City Council members Jesus Tundidor and Carl Zogby, from entering the race.
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