(Le Floridien) — The November 5, 2024, general election in South Florida showcased a strong performance by Haitian-American candidates running for various local and state positions. While some candidates secured decisive victories, others are preparing for runoff elections. Here’s a breakdown of how Haitian-American candidates fared in key races across the region.
North Miami Mayoral Race
Incumbent Miami Mayor Alix Desulme, a prominent Haitian-American figure, emerged as the frontrunner in the polls but fell short of securing the majority needed to avoid a runoff. Desulme received 7,173 votes (36.80%) and will face Héctor Medina, who obtained 4,410 votes (22.62%). Despite Desulme’s lead, the race remains close, with additional contenders in the mix, including former Florida State Senator Daphne Campbell, who received 4,385 votes (22.49%), and Naomi Esther Blemur, with 3,526 votes (18.09%), completing the candidate lineup.
North Miami Councilperson District 4
In the North Miami Councilperson District 4 race, Haitian-American incumbent Councilman Pierre Frantz Charles also advanced to a runoff. He led with 2,763 votes (44.02%), followed by Daniel Calixte, another Haitian-American, who received 1,029 votes (16.39%). Other candidates in the race included Charlie Nacivre Charles with 1,020 votes (16.25%), Beverly Hilton with 895 votes (14.26%), and Bethynel ‘Betty’ Vega, who received 570 votes (9.08%). With a total of 6,277 votes cast across five precincts, the upcoming runoff between Charles and Calixte will determine the district’s representative.
North Miami Councilperson District 1
Haitian-American candidate Vanessa Pierre is advancing to a runoff in the North Miami Councilperson District 1 race, having received 1,309 votes (31.16%). She will face former mayor Kevin A. Burns, who led with 1,796 votes (42.75%). The two will vie for the seat in the runoff, with Pierre showing strong initial support among Haitian-American voters.
Miami Gardens Council Member Seat 5
In Miami Gardens, Haitian-American incumbent Linda Julien successfully retained her Seat 5 position, securing a decisive victory with 25,448 votes (61.43%) over challenger Karen Hunter-Jackson, who received 15,976 votes (38.57%). Julien’s win, with a total of 41,424 votes cast, is a testament to her support among Miami Gardens constituents and highlights the strength of Haitian-American representation in the city.
State Representative, District 105
In the State Representative race for District 105, incumbent Marie Woodson, a Haitian-American Democrat, secured a sweeping victory in Broward County, for a third term. Woodson won 49,270 votes (79.76%) against Joshua Hlavka of the Libertarian Party, who received 12,501 votes (20.24%). The total of 61,771 votes reflects Woodson’s broad support, further solidifying her influence in the district.
North Miami Beach Group 1 Mayoral Race
Former Commissioner Michael Joseph claimed victory in the North Miami Beach Group 1 mayoral race, defeating incumbent Mayor Evan S. Piper. Joseph won with 7,356 votes (55.54%), while Piper received 5,889 votes (44.46%). With all 11 precincts reporting, Joseph’s win represents a significant shift in leadership for North Miami Beach.
North Miami Beach Group 3 Commissioner
In the North Miami Beach Group 3 Commissioner race, Haitian-American incumbent Daniela Jean is headed to a runoff against another Haitian-American candidate, Magareth “Maguy” Love. Jean led with 6,381 votes (49.10%), followed by Love with 3,407 votes (26.22%). Hubert Dubé, who received 3,207 votes (24.68%), was also a contender. The runoff will ensure that the Haitian-American community remains well-represented in this seat.
North Miami Beach Group 5 Commissioner
Incumbent Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond successfully retained his seat in the North Miami Beach Group 5 Commissioner race, defeating Kettelyne Joachin, another Haitian-American candidate. Fleurimond won with 7,399 votes (61.04%), while Joachin received 4,716 votes (38.96%). This result underscores Fleurimond’s established support in the community.
North Miami Beach Group 7 Commissioner
In the North Miami Beach Group 7 Commissioner race, former Commissioner Paule Villard is advancing to a runoff against Lynn Su. Villard led with 3,819 votes (30.22%), while Su followed with 3,224 votes (25.51%). Other candidates in the race included Maggy Belizaire Lopez, who received 2,331 votes (18.44%); Eunice Flowers, with 1,834 votes (14.51%); and Ellis Keeter, with 1,430 votes (11.32%). With all 11 precincts reporting, the upcoming runoff between Villard and Su will decide the Group 7 Commissioner seat.
This race highlights the continued engagement and influence of Haitian-American candidates in North Miami Beach’s local government.
