Jesse Scheckner
The political arm of South Florida’s longest-serving organization for championing LGBTQ rights is supporting former Rep. Juan-Carlos “J.C.” Planas’ bid for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections (SOE).
SAVE Action PAC, associated with Miami-based SAVE, announced its endorsement of Planas, an ethics and elections lawyer running to be the county’s first voter-chosen SOE.
“Democracy is the foundation upon which we protect our hard-won rights and freedoms,” SAVE Executive Director Todd Delmay said in a statement.
“Throughout his career, J.C. Planas has been a steadfast advocate for fair and transparent elections, ensuring that every voice in our community is heard. J.C.’s commitment to democracy and equality makes him the ideal candidate for Miami-Dade Supervisor of Elections and SAVE Action PAC is proud to endorse him.”
A member of the House from 2002 to 2010, Planas is competing with political consultant Willis Howard and media tech entrepreneur Arnie Weiss in the Democratic Primary. The winner will face Miami Republican Rep. Alina García in the General Election.
The SAVE Action PAC nod joins others from SEIU Local 1991, SEIU Florida and four municipal Mayors. Planas said he’s proud to have the backing of SAVE, “because their work in our community reflects our shared belief that democracy belongs to everyone.”
“It’s up to all of us to protect our democracy this election, at a time when some choose to weaponize our elections by baselessly calling their integrity into doubt,” he said. “As our next Supervisor of Elections, I will work to maintain public trust in our elections and ensure that every eligible voter in Miami-Dade can have their voice heard.”
This election is the first time Miami-Dade voters will choose an SOE and Tax Collector, both of which have been appointed by Mayor-appointed offices under the county’s 1957 charter. In 2018, Florida votes — including 58% of Miami-Dade voters — approved a constitutional amendment requiring every county in the state to elect those offices, a Sheriff and Property Appraiser by Jan. 7, 2025.
The Primary is on Aug. 20, followed by the General Election on Nov. 5.
