Election 2026

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Make Sure to Vote on Nov. 3rd.

FOR THE FIRST TIME in its history, Coral Gables will be voting for its mayor and city commission during the general national election in November. All previous elections were held in April. That changed earlier this year when registered Gables voters, in a citywide referendum, voted the move to November by a two-to-one margin. The reasoning was all about turnout: April elections were typically decided by less than a quarter of registered voters, whereas national elections typically draw more than half of registered voters.

This year two City Commission seats will be decided, each to be occupied for four years. Voters will also decide on the two-year Mayor’s position, as well as three other referendum items. Coral Gables Magazine asked each candidate to submit a photo plus 500 words answer to three basic questions: Why did you decide to run for office? Why do you feel qualified to serve? What will be your priorities in office? All candidates but one, Jackson “Rip” Holmes, responded. Their answers follow.

Referendum Questions for Changes to the City Charter:

SHALL SECTION 24 of the City Charter be amended to increase the threshold for public works projects requiring formal solicitation from $25,000 to $300,000, with that amount adjusted as specified in Section 255.20, Florida Statutes?
This amendment is designed to reduce the bureaucratic overkill for smaller city projects that really do not require a formal review process, similar to state standards.

SHALL SECTION 3 of the City Charter be amended to require continuous residency in the City of Coral Gables for a minimum of one year immediately preceding the end of the qualifying period for candidates running for City Commissioner or City Mayor?
This amendment is designed to close a loophole that allowed candidates for city office to have lived in the city for as little as six months.

THE CITY CHARTER currently provides for a two-year term for the City’s Mayor. Shall the City Charter be amended to increase the Mayor’s term of office to four years, consistent with the term of office for City Commissioners, beginning with the 2028 Coral Gables General Election, with no change to the associated term limit?
This amendment is designed to give the position of mayor the same term in office as commissioners, to provide stability. The idea of a two-year term was to attract more voters to the April elections (fewer voters showed up if the mayor’s office was not up for renewal). That purpose is now moot with the new November election.

SHALL THE CITY CHARTER be amended to require that the sale, exchange, conveyance, or lease for ten (10) years or longer of any City-owned property used as a park, recreational facility, golf course, or open park space as of November 3, 2026, or later acquired for such use, be approved by sixty percent (60%) of the City’s voters in a citywide special election?
This amendment is designed to ensure that public open space will never be sold or leased to developers unless 60 percent of voters agree to the sale in a special election.

Mayor Vince Lago

FOR MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES

Why did you decide to run for office?

My decision to enter public service was rooted in gratitude. Coral Gables has given my family and me an extraordinary place to call home, and I believed I had an obligation to give something back.

When I was first elected in 2013, I made a commitment to be present, accessible, and willing to take on difficult issues – even when doing so was not politically convenient. More than thirteen years later, that commitment has not changed. I continue to serve because I care deeply about protecting the character of Coral Gables and ensuring that the decisions we make today strengthen the city for the next generation.

Public service, to me, is not about holding an office. It is about doing the work, being accountable for your decisions, and leaving our community better than we found it.

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

Experience matters, but what you do with that experience matters even more. Since 2013, I have had the privilege of serving Coral Gables as Commissioner, Vice Mayor, and Mayor. That experience has given me a deep understanding of our city—its neighborhoods, its finances, its infrastructure, its challenges, and, most importantly, the expectations of our residents.

My qualifications are also reflected in a record residents can evaluate for themselves. We have made historic investments in public safety, added police officers and firefighters, expanded parks and green space, invested in infrastructure, protected our neighborhoods from incompatible development, and maintained a strong focus on fiscal responsibility.

I have also worked to make accessibility a defining part of my service. For more than a decade, residents have been able to meet with me during my Friday office hours, attend my town halls, call me, email me, or simply stop me in the community. I believe an elected official should never become disconnected from the people he represents.

What are the key priorities of your campaign? 
What issues and initiatives will you advocate for?

My priority is to protect what generations of residents have built while preparing Coral Gables for its next century. That starts with protecting our neighborhoods and preserving the historic character, scale, and beauty that distinguish Coral Gables from every other city in South Florida. Growth must be thoughtful and compatible with our community—not driven simply by requests for greater height and density.

Public safety will remain fundamental. We must continue investing in our police and fire departments, modernizing infrastructure, improving traffic and pedestrian safety, strengthening our resiliency, and expanding parks and green spaces.

I will also continue advocating for disciplined financial management and greater accountability at City Hall. We have already demonstrated that reform is possible—from reversing the Commission’s 101% salary increases to protecting our reserves, moving elections to November, and advancing independent oversight through an Inspector General.

Above all, I want Coral Gables to remain Coral Gables. As our region changes around us, we should embrace innovation and prepare for the future without sacrificing the qualities that have made the City Beautiful one of the most desirable communities in America. That balance—progress without losing our identity—will continue to guide my decisions as Mayor.

Laureano Cancio

FOR MAYOR OF THE CITY OF CORAL GABLES

Why did you decide to run for office?

Coral Gables deserves a City Hall that residents can be proud of – one defined by civility, fairness, and mutual respect. Every resident, business owner, and fellow public servant has to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their opinions or political views. Coral Gables works best when city government is a source of unity and pride, not division.

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

I have been a practicing attorney in Florida, New York, and New Jersey for the past 42 years. In addition, I have held numerous positions solving complex problems in government (Social Worker at the Michigan Department of Social Services and as an Unemployment Claims Examiner with the New York State Department of Labor), business (Assistant HR Manager at the Eagle Electric Manufacturing Company and as HR Manager with Wise/Old London Foods), and non-profit institutions (Assistant Labor Relations Director at Columbia University and as HR Director of the New York Botanical Garden) for more than 10 years.

Beyond the courtroom and boardroom, I have a long record of community leadership. I founded the Hispanic Business & Professional Association of Bergen County, New Jersey’s largest professional association of Hispanic American professionals and was elected its president for five consecutive terms. In addition, I was named to the Board of Trustees of Ramapo College of New Jersey when I was 37 years old, served as the 1989 New York Cuban American Parade Marshal, and was asked to serve in the Hackensack Board of Education, the Hackensack Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Hackensack YMCA Board of Trustees, the New Jersey Gifted Child Society Board of Trustees, and the Bergen Arts Center Board of Trustees.

What are the key priorities of your campaign?

A great city invests in its cultural, intellectual, and recreational life. It is important for the City of Coral Gables to show greater support for the arts and a stronger partnership with local schools and educational institutions, ensuring that it remains a vibrant, culturally rich community for families of every generation. In addition, I have always been a strong advocate for our community’s youth-serving institutions, including the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center, which has served generations of local families and deserves the city’s full support and protection. Equally important, every child in Coral Gables should have access to safe, well-maintained parks and recreational spaces close to their homes.

What issues and initiatives will you advocate for as mayor of the City of Coral Gables?

The pace of construction and redevelopment in Coral Gables has understandably unsettled longtime residents. I believe that we can grow responsibly while protecting the architectural charm, tree canopy, and historic identity that makes Coral Gables unique. That means that we must find a better balance between the interests of developers and those of community residents who have spent a century building our city. The City Commission has a duty to listen to the views of all citizens before making decisions.

Melissa Castro

FOR CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION, GROUP IV

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

I am not asking residents to elect me based on campaign promises. I am asking them to judge me by my record.

For nearly four years, residents have seen how I govern. I created Tuesdays with Melissa to give residents direct access to their Commissioner. I held town halls on property taxes and the millage rate because residents deserve to understand where their money goes. I worked to make discounted resident parking rates permanent, because even the everyday costs of living in our city matter.

I have scrutinized development proposals based on what they mean for our neighborhoods, traffic, infrastructure, trees, and quality of life. Protecting Coral Gables requires more than talking about responsible development; it requires being willing to vote that way.

I bring decades of business experience and a professional background in psychology and organizational leadership. I was honored with the 2026 Home Rule Hero Award and now serve as Chair of the Florida League of Cities’ 2026–27 Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment Committee, giving Coral Gables a stronger voice on policies affecting our neighborhoods and quality of life. Campaigns make promises. My record gives residents something stronger: proof of what they can expect from me.

What are the key priorities of your campaign? 
What issues and initiatives will you advocate for?

My priority is straightforward: protect your quality of life and what makes Coral Gables worth fighting for. That means responsible development that protects our neighborhoods and historic character without allowing growth to redefine our city.

I will continue pushing for meaningful property tax relief and fiscal discipline while protecting police, fire, parks, and essential services. I will support our local businesses, responsible infrastructure and mobility improvements, and defend Home Rule so decisions affecting our neighborhoods remain as close as possible to the people who live here.

My goal is a Coral Gables that remains safe, financially strong, beautiful, well-managed, and unmistakably Coral Gables. I will work with anyone when it benefits our city. I will stand alone when necessary. I will never confuse political convenience with public service. My vote is not for sale. My principles are not negotiable. And the people of Coral Gables will always come first.

Nestor Menendez

FOR CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION, GROUP IV

Why did you decide to run for office?

Coral Gables has been home to me and my family for years. It’s where we have built our lives, raised our family, and developed relationships with the people and neighborhoods that make this community so special. My wife and I are now raising our twin daughters here, and I want them to grow up knowing and loving the same Coral Gables that has meant so much to our family.

I decided to run because I believe public service is one of the best ways to affect public policy and make a difference in people’s lives. I believe our City deserves leadership that puts residents and families first, listens to different perspectives, and brings people together.

I want to help preserve the character, traditions, and quality of life that have made Coral Gables such an extraordinary place to live and raise a family, while helping our City move forward thoughtfully and responsibly.

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

I bring a combination of deep roots in our community, professional experience, and a record of public service. As a proud graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, I understand the importance of evaluating complex issues, listening to different perspectives, and making decisions based on facts and what is in the best interests of our residents.

I’ve had the privilege of serving Coral Gables on the Planning and Zoning Board, the Charter Review Committee, and the Transportation Advisory Board. Those experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of the issues facing our City, from responsible development and neighborhood preservation to how our government operates and communicates with residents.

More importantly, they taught me the importance of listening and working hand in hand with residents of the City to find practical solutions. Most importantly, this is my home. I want to bring transparency, fairness, civility, and a residents-first approach to the Commission.

What are the key priorities of your campaign? 
What issues and initiatives will you advocate for?

My priorities begin with keeping Coral Gables one of the best places in America to live, work, and raise a family. That means protecting our neighborhoods, including our tree canopy, maintaining public safety, managing growth responsibly, preserving our character and traditions, and ensuring strong city services. Residents deserve a City government that listens, communicates clearly, spends responsibly, and treats people with respect. I will advocate for greater transparency and accountability at City Hall, thoughtful long-term planning, and decisions that protect residents’ quality of life.

My approach is simple: first, listen; second, work together; and third, find practical and creative solutions. I want to work collaboratively with my fellow commissioners and build partnerships between City Hall and the residents we serve.

Above all, I want to help bring greater civility, transparency, ethics, and collaboration to City Hall. We can disagree without being disagreeable and still work together toward a better future for Coral Gables. My commitment is simple: families and residents come first.

Gonzalo Sanabria

FOR CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION, GROUP V

After being told at a publicly held and broadcast City Commission meeting on 1/14/25 by Commissioner Ariel Fernandez that he was suing me for fees because I filed a formal complaint with the Ethics Commission (suit was dismissed) thus I decided to run and filed my candidacy for Commissioner vs Fernandez who decided not to seek re-election.

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

Here’s my public and civic service history spanning over 35 years:

• Education B.A. ECONOMICS Windham College, Vermont
• Residence- 944 San Pedro Avenue, Coral Gables, Florida 33156 since 1999
•Married to Nancy Sanabria, sons Victor and Eric Sanabria Professional Career – Commercial Florida Real Estate Broker under Real Estate Works Inc., a/k/a REW Inc.
• Related Civic Service History:
Ex officio Member, Miami Dade Planning Advisory Board
Ex officio Member, Miami Dade EXpressway Authority
Ex officio Member, Miami Dade Parks and Recreation Board
Ex officio Member, Coral Gables Historic Preservation Board
Ex officio Member, Coral Gables Anti Crime Committee
Ex officio Member South Gables HOA Committee
Ex officio Member Gables By The Sea President
Ex officio Chairman – Doctors Hospital Board
Coral Gables Planning, Zoning Member

What are the key priorities of your campaign? What issues and initiatives will you advocate for?

• Simply put, bring proper collegial conduct to the Dais
• Modernize certain antiquated equipment for higher and faster
  efficiency and results
• Continue efforts to the arts at all levels
• Promote our Business Improvement District plans to energize
  customer volume year round
• Promote higher use of golf carts and bicycles as a viable means of
  local use of parking & accessibility
• Have more events for venues like The Biltmore, Miracle Theater,
  Coral Gables Museum
• Stimulate open-air music events on a frequent basis
• Maximum timeline of 30 days for obtaining a building permit
• As an economist scrutinize budgets and expenditures
• Somehow attempt to increase our Tree Coverage from current
  58% to an ambitious 80%

Dominique “Nikki” Whiting

FOR CORAL GABLES CITY COMMISSION, GROUP V

Why did you decide to run for office?

Public service has been the cornerstone of my career, and it’s the work I love and find most rewarding. I’ve spent my career at the federal, state, and local levels learning how government works, solving problems, and advocating for the communities I serve. My service on Coral Gables’ Property Advisory Board and Communications Committee deepened that commitment and gave me firsthand experience with the issues that matter to our residents. I’m running because I believe my experience has prepared me to make a meaningful difference for Coral Gables and help protect what makes our city special.

That commitment to service is also deeply rooted in my family. My father is a Marine Corps veteran, my paternal grandfather served in World War II and earned a Purple Heart, my maternal grandfather spent 20 years as a Cuban political prisoner, and my great-uncle served with Brigade 2506. Today, my brother continues that tradition as a Miami-Dade County police officer. I grew up understanding that service is both a privilege and a responsibility, and those values are a big part of why I’m running.

Why do you feel qualified to represent the residents of Coral Gables?

I’ve spent my career working at every level of government and learning how to turn community needs into action. I’ve worked in Congress, Miami-Dade County government, and the Executive Office of the Governor, where my responsibilities included communications, policy, constituent issues, and working across different levels of government to get results.

That experience has directly benefited Coral Gables. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with local leaders on issues impacting our community and learned how decisions in Tallahassee, Washington, and Miami-Dade impact our residents here at home. Combined with my service on city boards, I understand both how Coral Gables operates and how to advocate effectively for our city beyond City Hall.

I hold an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Miami. I’m ready to put that experience to work with an approach grounded in accessibility, accountability, and results.

What are the key priorities of your campaign?

My campaign is focused on protecting what makes Coral Gables special while ensuring our city continues to thrive. That means prioritizing public safety and supporting our emergency services, practicing fiscal responsibility to protect the city’s long-term financial health, and promoting transparency and accountability in local government.

I’m committed to addressing traffic and making our streets safer, especially for children and families; supporting responsible, sustainable growth that respects the character of our neighborhoods; and ensuring honesty and ethical leadership guide every decision. Above all, I believe in staying accessible, listening to residents, and maintaining a strong connection with the community I serve.

I’m optimistic about Coral Gables’ future and ready to bring experienced, resident-focused, and non-partisan leadership to the City Commission.