Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, Annette Taddeo, others back Daniella Levine Cava mayoral bid

Daniella Levine Cava has announced support from more than a dozen elected officials as she campaigns to be Mayor of Miami-Dade County.

Among that list are U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell of Florida’s 26th Congressional District, state Sen. Annette Taddeo and several mayors, vice mayors and local commissioners.

“It’s time that we work together to make history to elect the first female Mayor of Miami-Dade,” Mucarsel-Powell said.

“At a time when we need real investments in our local communities, to combat the high cost of living, traffic grid-lock and sea-level rise, I believe, my friend and mentor, Commissioner Daniella’s experience and compassion for all residents of Miami-Dade make her the only choice. I look forward to working with our future Madame Mayor.”

Levine Cava currently serves on the Miami-Dade County Commission representing District 8. She’s one of four candidates who have formally declared for the 2020 mayoral contest. She’s currently competing with entrepreneur Monique Nicole Barley, fellow Commissioner Xavier Suarez and former Commissioner Juan Zapata.

Sen. Taddeo also released a statement announcing her support for Levine Cava.

“She is the embodiment of good government and a true champion of the people,” Taddeo said of Levine Cava.

“She will fight for a better future and lead with bold solutions to the challenges we face. I am excited to campaign side-by-side with Daniella and make history as we elect Miami-Dade’s first woman as our next Mayor.”

In addition to the officially-declared candidates, former Mayor Alex Penelas is also raising money in anticipation for a 2020 bid.

Former U.S. Rep. Carlos Curbelo recently announced he would not run for Mayor, despite speculation he planned to jump into the race.

Current Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez is barred from running due to term limits.

Along with the announcement of those supporting Levine Cava, the candidates herself also put out a statement.

“I am truly humbled by the early support our campaign continues to receive from colleagues across Miami-Dade County,” Levine Cava said.

“This campaign isn’t about me — it’s about what future we want for our residents. I am ready to take on the crises we face and confront them with bold solutions that bring the much needed change County Hall so desperately needs. I am excited to continue the journey ahead as we grow our support in every corner of our wonderful County.”

A full list of the new elected officials backing Levine Cava is below.

U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell

State Sen. Annette Taddeo

Florida City Mayor Otis Wallace

North Bay Village Mayor Brent Latham

Surfside Mayor Daniel Dietch

Former North Miami Mayor Kevin Burns

Miami Gardens Vice Mayor Erhabor Ighodaro

Miami Shores Vice Mayor Alice Burch

Opa-locka Vice Mayor Chris Davis

Pinecrest Vice Mayor Anna Hochkammer

South Miami Vice Mayor Walter Harris

Cutler Bay Councilman Roger Coriat

Homestead Councilman Elvis Maldonado

Miami Beach Commissioner Joy Malakoff

Miami Springs Councilwoman Mara Zapata

Palmetto Bay Councilwoman Marsha Matson