Four Miami Beach Commissioners, making up a majority of the panel, are now backing Democratic entrepreneur Richard Lamondin’s bid to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. María Elvira Salazar.
This week, Commissioner Tanya Katzoff Bhatt threw her support behind Lamondin, joining the Miami Beach Commission’s three other Democratic members — Laura Dominguez, Alex Fernandez and Monica Matteo-Salinas — who have also endorsed him.
“When no one believed he could start a business changing toilets, Richard proved them wrong. Thirteen years later, he built it into a nationwide company that lowers costs, creates jobs, and protects our planet. He’s helped launch and uplift nonprofits that are doing real good right here in our community. He shows up,” she said in a statement.
“And when people said he couldn’t run for Congress? He proved them wrong again — raising over $700,000 from thousands of grassroots supporters, building real enthusiasm and momentum. Miami doesn’t need another familiar name. We need someone who’s earned it. I believe in Richard and the future he’s fighting for. I trust his character. And South Florida would be lucky to have him representing us in Washington.”
Lamondin is the founder and CEO of ecofi, an environmental service company that says it helped conserve 10 billion gallons of water and prevent over 300,000 metric tons of carbon emissions while cutting customers’ utility bills.
This is his first run at public office, and it’s been a strong one so far. He ended 2025 as the top Democratic Primary fundraiser with more than $700,000 raised this cycle.
Others backing Lamondin include state Sen. Shevrin Jones, state Rep. Kevin Chambliss, Miami-Dade School Board member Luisa Santos, former Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson and former Miami Commissioner Ken Russell.
In a statement, Lamondin said the strong support from Miami Beach City Hall “sends a message.”
“But I’m especially grateful to Commissioner Bhatt. She was one of the first to believe in me and to push me forward when this campaign was just an idea,” he said.
“She knows what it’s like to be underestimated — and then to win. That’s the kind of leadership we need right now. With Tanya in this fight, we’re going to flip this seat and bring new leadership to Washington. And I’ll be a partner for Miami Beach and communities across Miami-Dade.”
CD 27, one of three Florida districts that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has highlighted as “in play,” covers Miami, Coral Gables, Cutler Bay, Key Biscayne, Pinecrest, North Bay Village, South Miami, West Miami and several unincorporated areas.
The Democratic Primary also features CPA Alex Fornino and former prosecutor Robin Peguero. Republican Michael Arias also hopes to supplant Salazar, who has represented Florida’s 27th Congressional District since January 2021.