Fort Lauderdale native Heather Moraitis, who served on the City Commission from November 2018 through mid-2022, is running to retake her old District 1 seat after the surprise resignation of its current occupant.
Moraitis announced her candidacy for the seat this week.
If she wins in November, she’ll complete the remaining two years of Commissioner John Herbst’s term.
Herbst informed the city this month of his pending resignation, effective Nov. 2.
Moraitis — who left office early in April 2022, two years into a four-year term she won in 2020, citing a desire to spend more time with family — filed paperwork to run to replace him less than a week later.
“Fort Lauderdale is my home — I was born here, raised my family here, and I am deeply invested in its future,” Moraitis said.
“During my time on the Commission, we got things done. I want to continue that work and make sure District 1 has a strong, experienced voice fighting for our neighborhoods, our safety, and our quality of life.”
A press note from Moraitis’ campaign touted among her economic and community-development accomplishments securing the Inter Miami MLS stadium and Florida Panthers arena, renovating the International Swimming Hall of Fame, delivering two new YMCAs, approving the Fort Pickleball facility, and the Bayview Drive and Galt Ocean Drive streetscape improvement projects.
Her community involvement has included service with the Broward League of Cities and Florida League of Cities, where she served as Vice Chair of the organization’s Federal Action Strike Team.
She has also been honored with the Governor’s Points of Light and Education Commissioner’s Business Recognition awards.
Moraitis — a Republican and the wife of former state Rep. George Moraitis, who is now running for Florida’s 25th Congressional District — said she’s running on a platform focused on issues that matter most to District 1 residents. That includes cutting taxes and government waste, supporting responsible development, investing in infrastructure to support smart growth while preserving the city’s character and livability, and adding more park spaces.
City records show she filed to run for District 1, an oddly shaped area covering Fort Lauderdale’s northeast and northwest sections, on May 6, five days after Herbst confirmed plans to step down.
She wrote on Facebook that day, “I am so excited to announce that I filed to run for Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner District 1! … As the only District 1 candidate with a proven track record of strong leadership, I look forward to working hard to earn your support and vote in November.”
So far, Moraitis faces one opponent: Democrat John Rodstrom, a business litigation lawyer in private practice who serves on the Executive Committee of the Salvation Army Board of Advisors and is a former member of the Fort Lauderdale Budget Advisory Committee.
The race is technically nonpartisan, though party affiliation often influences races.
Fort Lauderdale’s General Election is Nov. 3.