Democrat Daniella Levine Cava Beats Steve Bovo To Become Miami-Dade County Mayor

The new mayor plans to take a more dedicated approach to battling the COVID-19 pandemic and empowering entrepreneurs across the community by opening small business accelerators.

In one of Miami-Dade County’s tightest races, voters gave Democrat Daniella Levine Cava the victory over Republican contender Esteban (Steve) Bovo for county mayor. Her victory establishes the Democrat as the county’s first female mayor, succeeding term-limited Carlos Giménez.

Levine Cava, who has been the representative in Commission District 8 since 2014, a position she resigned from to run for mayor, has a history of championing causes like women’s issues, climate change, discrimination, social justice, and gun violence. She bested Bovo 54 to 46 percent.

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She has promised that, as county mayor, she would take a more dedicated approach to handling the COVID-19 pandemic, including investing in services like rent relief, food assistance, and stronger social programs, as well as requiring all county contractors to provide at least 14 days of paid leave to their employees and expanding mass COVID-19 testing. 

Levine Cava also plans to provide each kindergartener with a children’s savings account that could be used for college savings and post-secondary job training.

A Successful Business Plan

By opening small business accelerators using available federal funds and matching private dollars, Levine Cava also plans to empower entrepreneurs across the community. According to her website, the program will be modeled after the successful initiative launched in District 8 under Daniella’s leadership. Over 60% of those benefiting from the program are Black and women-owned businesses.  She also has plans to take her successful Small Business Academy and Business Accelerator in District 8 countywide to lift up opportunities for businesses throughout Miami-Dade County.

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Police Accountability

The Democrat also has a plan for police accountability reform, including a ban on chokeholds and a fully funded Independent Community Panel to hold police accountable. She’s said that she would also demand transparency and conduct a community audit of Miami-Dade Police policies and practices.