West Miami Mayor Eric Diaz-Padron successfully secured his position for another four years on Tuesday, defeating former City Manager Yolanda Aguilar in a campaign that lacked typical political drama.
With just one precinct reporting, Diaz-Padron garnered an impressive 70.8% of the votes to ensure his re-election. He will continue his leadership alongside fellow Commissioners Gustavo Ceballos, Juan Blanes, and new Commissioner-elect Victoria De la Torre, who each triumphed in their respective contests for Seats 1, 2, and 4.
Ceballos won swiftly against George Lavin, claiming 74.6% of the vote, while Blanes achieved victory over Fermin Belleau with 71.4%. De la Torre’s win was decisive, as she outperformed Elsa Pelaez-Lopez by almost 42 points, achieving 70.8% support.
Diaz-Padron, Ceballos, and Blanes were each granted full four-year terms, whereas De la Torre, elected through a Special Election, will serve for two years.
Expressing gratitude to his constituents, Diaz-Padron remarked, “I am incredibly thankful for the trust placed in me and my team to lead the city.”
He continued, emphasizing the record-high voter turnout as a mandate for their ongoing progress. “With over 70% of the voters backing us, we are empowered to enhance our community as one of the prime locations for homeownership in Florida; this is the beginning of our next phase.”
At 31, Diaz-Padron—a lawyer and real estate broker—first took office in 2022, winning 64% of the votes. In his campaign, he highlighted achievements in reducing property taxes, enhancing public safety, and investing in essential infrastructure.
His administration has been marked by improved police response times, new parks, traffic management initiatives, and community cleanup efforts. Diaz-Padron defended increased fees approved during his term, citing the necessity for addressing longstanding issues like underbilling.
“West Miami is on the rise because we focus on delivering tangible results for families, reducing taxes, and strengthening our community,” he affirmed. “We have made significant progress and the best is yet to come.”
Conversely, Aguilar, who has a long history of public service since 1971, made her campaign grounded in fiscal discipline and transparency. She criticized Diaz-Padron’s spending as excessive, warning it could jeopardize the city’s financial stability if unchecked.
Aguilar stated, “My vision focuses on re-establishing trust and responsive governance,” emphasizing her priorities would involve efficient city services and better support for law enforcement.
In campaign finance, Diaz-Padron reported raising $41,450 and spending $33,000 as of early April. His political committee, Do Better, added $50,000 and expenses of about $32,000 to his totals.
He received endorsements from the Florida Police Benevolent Association and the Metro-Dade Firefighters Local 1403, solidifying his support.
Aguilar, on the other hand, raised over $67,000, spending about $46,500, and drew endorsements from notable figures, including former Mayor Rebeca Sosa and Palmetto Bay Mayor Karyn Cunningham.
