The field of candidates vying for three open Village of Key Biscayne Council seats is set, with two incumbents, another with an incumbent tie, a former political figure, and a newcomer will be running for the right to represent Village readers leading up to the Nov. 3 election.

Fernando Vazquez and Vice Mayor Oscar Sardiñas, who have spent the past four years serving in their first terms up on the dais, were among the five who officially qualified and beat Thursday’s noon deadline.

Claire London, whose husband, Ed, is termed out after serving the past eight years on Council, also will be running for a seat.

In addition, Luis “Lucho” de la Cruz, who served on Council from 2014-2018, has decided to run again and will be joined by political newcomer Silvia Tarafa, a longtime educator and school administrator on the island.

The three victorious candidates will be working with new incoming Mayor Brett Moss, who ran unopposed.

Having already featured profiles on de la Cruz and Sardiñas, Islander News will publish profiles on London, Tarafa and Vazquez over the next two issues. As has been an Islander News tradition, our September 9 issue will include the “In My Own Words” candidate statements on why they are seeking the chance to represent Key Biscayners.

Then, on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the Key Biscayne Chamber of Commerce and Islander News will team up for the Village Council candidate debate, which will start at 6 p.m. at the Council Chambers. The debate will once again be moderated by Steven V. Moll, associate professor and vice provost emeritus at FIU’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.

As Election Day nears, follow Islander News to learn more about each local, state and national candidates, as well as the local referendum on resiliency projects and the statewide property tax referendum as Election Day counts down, including sample ballots in our October 7, 2026, issue and the early voting schedule.

A reminder: the deadline to register to vote for the November 3 election is Monday, October 5. Visit govotemiami.org for more election-related information and helpful links.

Justo Rey contributed to this report.

Two incumbents, a returning ex-councilman and two newcomers set to face off for three seats