Jacqueline Garcia-Roves, the interim mayor widely seen as the establishment’s pick in Hialeah, was toppled in the city’s mayoral election Tuesday, ending her brief tenure and signaling a dramatic political shift.
Garcia-Roves, 43, a mother of three who has worked exclusively in politics since becoming a councilwoman in 2019, assumed the interim mayor role earlier this year following the departure of Esteban “Steve” Bovo. She was defeated by Bryan Calvo, who won outright with 52.93% of the vote. Garcia-Roves came in third with 19%, just behind Councilman Jesus Tundidor, who received 20.68%.
Garcia-Roves campaigned as the candidate of continuity, promising stability at City Hall and a continuation of established policies. She had the backing of many of Hialeah’s top Republican leaders, including former Mayor Bovo and Miami-Dade Commissioner René García, who had briefly considered running before withdrawing.
When asked whether her defeat was a loss to Bovo, the establishment or herself, Garcia-Roves said she did not know, noting that everyone was surprised by the outcome. In tears in her headquarters, she thanked everyone who worked hard on her campaign and said she would continue working for “the city I love.”
Bovo and García were at Garcia-Roves’s campaign headquarters when the Herald tried to ask about her loss, both avoided commenting.
In the weeks leading up to the election, records provided by the City of Hialeah to the Herald revealed that Garcia-Roves’ property included illegal extensions. Garcia-Roves denied responsibility, attributing the modifications to her late father, who had been the legal owner of the property until he died. The revelations fueled speculation within City Hall, with several municipal employees telling the Herald on condition of anonymity that Garcia-Roves faced internal opposition and political maneuvering from figures supporting rival candidates.
Despite holding the interim mayor title, Garcia-Roves could not maintain the city’s leadership.
Garcia-Roves — the first woman to serve as Hialeah’s mayor — is expected to remain in office through the transition period established under Bovo’s administration. She will hand over the position on Jan. 12, 2026, when Calvo is expected to be sworn in. The arrangement leaves the city under interim leadership for two more months as Hialeah prepares for a new direction at City Hall.
With Garcia-Roves’s defeat, Hialeah voters have signaled a desire for fresh leadership over continuity, reshaping the city’s political landscape and ending a chapter for the long-standing establishment.