Miami City Commission candidate Rolando Escalona just notched endorsements from two men — Oscar Alejandro and Rob Piper — who ran against him earlier this month.
Both are U.S. Armed Forces veterans. Both also placed just behind Escalona, a restaurant manager, in the city’s Nov. 4 election.
Alejandro, who placed third in the contest with 12% of the vote, said in a statement that he believes Escalona “will bring a fresh approach to City Hall and put an end to political dynasties controlling our local government.”
That’s a knock against Escalona’s opponent, former Miami Commissioner Frank Carollo, who held the District 3 seat from 2009 to 2017, when his brother, term-limited Commissioner Joe Carollo, took over.
New lifetime term limits voters overwhelmingly approved this month prohibit elected officials from serving more than two four-year terms as Mayor or on the City Commission. A Judge ruled last week that Carollo could remain on the runoff ballot anyway, rejecting a lawsuit Alejandro and two other Miami voters brought to disqualify him.
“I’ve seen his hard work and determination, and as a resident, I know we can trust Rolando to deliver on his promise to get things done,” Alejandro, who served in the Navy, said. “It’s time for a new generation of leadership and with Rolando Escalona as our commissioner, Miami and District 3 will once again thrive.”
Piper, a Marine Corps veteran who led a recall PAC in 2020 targeting Joe Carollo, who ran unsuccessfully this year to become Mayor again, urged voters to reject “recycled politicians.”
“We need new voices in City Hall which is why I am proud to endorse and vote for Rolando Escalona for District 3 City Commissioner,” he said in a statement. “Rolando genuinely cares about our City’s future and I look forward to working with him to bring about fresh ideas that benefit all District 3 residents.”
Escalona, who took 17.3% of the vote in the General Election, compared to Carollo’s 37.7%, said he is “honored to earn the support of leaders who, like me, stepped up because they believe District 3 deserves better.”
Alejandro and Piper are Democrats, while Escalona and Carollo are Republicans. Miami’s elections are nonpartisan, though party politics often still influence races.
“Our community is demanding integrity, accountability, and a government that works for the people — not for political insiders,” Escalona said in a statement. “Together, we are building a coalition focused on safer streets, affordable housing, reliable city services, and a brighter future for every family in District 3. This election isn’t about politics — it’s about people — and I’m ready to deliver results on day one.”
Miami’s third Commission district sits smack dab in the center of the city, containing the neighborhoods of Little Havana, East Shenandoah, West Brickell and parts of Silver Bluff and the Roads.