Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is throwing her support behind five fellow Democrats running for seats in the Legislature, including three incumbents and two first-time state candidates competing in contested Primaries.
The nods represent the first endorsements Levine Cava has given for state-level races in the 2026 election cycle.
All five candidates — Senate Democratic Leader-designate Shevrin Jones, Reps. Kevin Chambliss and Ashley Gantt, and House candidates Ashley Litwin Diego and Gloria Romero Roses — are running in Miami-Dade districts.
In statements shared first with Florida Politics, the twice-elected Mayor of Florida’s most populous county explained why she was backing each of them.
Jones, a former Chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party whose caucus peers elected him in February to lead them in the 2028-2030 cycle, is seeking re-election to the Senate District 34 seat he last won by 51 percentage points four years ago.
Levine Cava called Jones, who is currently unopposed, “a proven leader who has consistently delivered for our community.”
“Shevrin brings integrity, compassion, and a strong commitment to expanding opportunity for all, from protecting access to quality healthcare to advocating for working families and students,” she said. “His leadership reflects the very best of Miami-Dade, and I look forward to continuing our work together to move our community forward.”
Levine Cava described Chambliss, who won re-election to House District 117 in 2024 by nearly 6 points, “a leader who listens, collaborates, and delivers.”
“Kevin Chambliss has shown a deep commitment to serving our South Miami-Dade community with thoughtfulness and purpose. He understands the challenges families are facing and has worked to advance meaningful solutions that create opportunity and strengthen neighborhoods,” she said. “I’m proud to support him.”
Gantt unseated fellow Democrat James Bush III in 2022 to win her House District 109 seat and repelled him and former Democratic Rep. Roy Hardemon two years later with 53% of the vote.
This year, she’s again facing Bush, who drew negative attention from his party in 2022 for being the only Democrat to vote for a 15-week abortion ban and the Parental Rights in Education Law that critics labeled “Don’t Say Gay.”
In October, Bush sued Gantt, the House Democratic Campaign Committee, a political committee that paid for negative ads about him and consulting firm Edge Communications, whose principal, Christian Ulvert, is a key adviser to Levine Cava.
Edge Communications has been a consultant this cycle for Jones, Gantt and Litwin Diego, their filings with the Division of Elections show.
“Ashley Gantt is a dedicated public servant who understands the importance of lifting up every voice in our community,” Levine Cava said. “She has been a tireless advocate for families, students, and small businesses, and she leads with both heart and purpose. Ashley is exactly the kind of leader we need to continue building a more equitable and inclusive Miami-Dade.”
Levine Cava said Litwin Diego, a seasoned trial lawyer and breast cancer survivor, “knows firsthand what it means to face adversity head-on — and to come out stronger on the other side.”
Litwin Diego is running to unseat Republican Rep. Fabián Basabe in House District 106, which spans Miami-Dade’s northeastern coastline, including Miami Beach. Litwin Diego faces former Miami-Dade School Board member Lucia Báez-Geller in a Democratic Primary.
“Ashley Litwin Diego’s story is one of resilience, courage, and an unwavering commitment to this community,” Levine Cava said.
“Ashley understands the challenges our residents face every day — from housing affordability and climate resilience to access to quality healthcare and education. As we fight for South Florida’s values and priorities at the state level, we need representatives who lead with both heart and conviction. It’s why I am proud to support her campaign.”
Romero Roses, meanwhile, has amassed substantial party and funding support in her bid to flip the vacant House District 113 seat, which Republican Vicki Lopez left for a spot on the Miami-Dade Commission in November.
Unless Gov. Ron DeSantis calls an overdue Special Election, voters in the district will have gone unrepresented in the House for nearly a year by the time they choose between Romero Roses, fellow Democrat Justin Mendoza Routt and Republicans Bruno Barreiro, Tony Diaz and Frank Lago.
Levine Cava called Romero Roses, a real estate professional and community activist, “exactly the kind of leader Miami-Dade needs right now.”
“She brings a lifetime of experience solving real problems, from expanding access to affordable housing to supporting seniors and working families, with the compassion and determination our community deserves,” she said. “Gloria understands the challenges facing Miami-Dade because she’s lived them, and she has the vision and integrity to move our community forward.”
Levine Cava is Miami-Dade’s first woman Mayor and the first Jewish person to win the job. In August 2024, she trounced six challengers with 58% of the vote to secure re-election. Her closest competitor took a 23% share of ballots cast.
The Primary this year is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.