Florida City elections coming up on Tuesday, January 27

Changing of the Guard in Florida City. For the first time in 42 years, voters in Florida City will not see the name of Mayor Otis T. Wallace on their municipal election ballots. On January 27, 2026, they will elect a new Mayor and likewise fill three Commission seats.

We are looking for volunteers to phone bank to call Democratic voters in Florida City on Saturday 1/24

Sign up here to phone bank on Saturday 1/24

The following candidates listed on the ballot are registered Democrats:

Mayor: Israel Andrews, Alphonso Bryant, Sharon “Sheep” Smith-Butler, Walter Thompson
Commissioner (vote for two): Richard Brown Jr., Ronda Ferguson Cobb, Hiney L. Dixon, Verlene Tenner, Clifford Waterman Sr.
Commissioner (vote for one): Takevess C. Hatcher, Trina Wilborn

Those elected will face a vastly different landscape than Mayor Wallace did in 1984, when he became one of the first Black elected officials in Florida. The Florida City population, then a little over 6000, has more than doubled to over 12K, spurred by a recent land development rush in South Dade. The largest share of Florida City’s registered voters is now Hispanic, rather than Black. What has not changed, and what will continue to challenge those elected in January, is the high percentage of city residents in poverty, currently estimated at over 30%. Legislative proposals to reduce or eliminate property taxes could seriously impact city services to those who most need them.

Despite Florida City’s increasing population, the total number of active registered voters has declined by 815, or nearly 13%, in the last two years. During the same time period, the number of Democrats has fallen 825 or 23.5%, perhaps reflecting the voter roll purge that Election Supervisor Alina Garcia carried out last spring, which disproportionately affected Democrats. The last day to request a vote by mail ballot is January 15, 2026.

No early voting will take place. There will be two election day polling locations: the Florida City/Homestead Service Center, for those voters residing in precinct 922, and Florida City City Hall, for those in precincts 951 and 955.

Here is the sample ballot

A candidate forum was held at 6:00 pm, January 15, 2026, at Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 1055 NW 6th Ave., Florida City, FL 33034. The event is sponsored by the NAACP, South Dade Branch, the Pi Delta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, the Miami Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Pi Nu Chapter of Omega Pi Phi Fraternity, and Covenant Missionary Baptist Church.'

Candidate bios...

Alphonso D. Bryant brings more than three decades of experience in education, school leadership, and youth mentorship to his campaign for Mayor of Florida City. A former school principal, athletic director, and school safety officer, he is focused on building a safer, stronger, and more united community where every family can thrive.

Sharon Smith-Butler has served Florida City for 17 years as Vice Mayor and Commissioner, building a career rooted in public service and community trust. With experience spanning Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the Florida Department of Corrections, and faith-based work, she is running for Mayor to continue promoting honest leadership, public safety, and strong support for seniors and families.

Reverend Hiney L. Dixon is a respected spiritual leader, entrepreneur, and longtime community advocate with deep roots in Florida City. As Pastor of Covenant Missionary Baptist Church and founder of First State Security, he has combined faith-driven leadership with proven business experience, growing a local company while creating jobs and investing back into the community. Running as a Democrat for Vice Mayor/Commissioner, Dixon is committed to strengthening public safety, supporting youth and seniors, and continuing his service to the city he proudly calls home.

Takevess Hatcher is a small business owner and community advocate whose work has focused on education, economic opportunity, and public safety. Educated at Miami Dade College, Nova Southeastern University, and Union Institute & University, he has combined professional leadership with civic engagement, including organizing local efforts to address gun and youth violence.

Trina Wilborn is a youth counselor, nonprofit founder, and devoted mother committed to strengthening families and improving community well-being. As founder of Keeping the Dream Alive, Inc., she advocates for public safety, expanded after-school programs, senior support, and improved access to healthcare while running for a Commission seat.

candidates are welcome to send bios or updates to [email protected]

The Bylaws of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party prohibit our endorsement of any Democrat over another in this election.

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