Cuban influencer Alexander Otaola has rejected the results of the Miami-Dade mayoral election, which on Tuesday handed a decisive victory to the current mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, who received 60 percent of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff. Otaola finished third with 12 percent of the vote, trailing Miami Lakes Republican Mayor Manny Cid, who garnered 22 percent.
"We do not recognize the results of this election until every vote is counted," Otaola told his followers in a defiant speech following the announcement of the results. "If there is no fraud, I will accept the result, but if there is even a hint of irregularity, we have the legal right to demand a recount," he added.
"We have won because today we are all winners; we have achieved what traditional politicians have not," he stated. The mayoral candidate urged his supporters to join him in calling for an electoral recount. "I ask everyone to be part of this recount, to be present during it, and for everyone in Miami-Dade to not settle for the political mediocrity that governs them," he declared.
Otaola expressed his dissatisfaction not only with the results but also with what he described as a lack of genuine support from the Republican Party and the Cuban-American representatives he has backed in the past. Nonetheless, the media-savvy influencer said he felt happy and proud of his voters and the movement he has created.
"When we entered the campaign, this was a unique experience; we knew we would be up against the most powerful and darkest forces. We are not afraid, and today we celebrate being fearless individuals," he emphasized. Otaola claimed that he managed to motivate politically apathetic individuals to vote and register new voters. He also asserted that exit polls had him as a finalist for a potential runoff. Additionally, he mentioned that his political campaign had been the target of attacks and disdain from the outset.
"The message we carried from our platform has been ignored even by many who claim to represent us," he pointed out. The popular presenter did not miss the opportunity to comment on the election winner, calling it "impossible" for Daniella Levine Cava, whom he criticized for doing "a terrible job" over the past four years, to have received "more votes than when no one knew her."
"God bless Miami-Dade. God bless democracy. And God bless you and freedom. Ladies and gentlemen, we have won and demand a vote-by-vote recount," concluded Otaola before a group of followers who at times chanted "fraud, fraud."
In subsequent statements to journalist Javier Díaz of Univision, Otaola reiterated his right to demand a recount and said he would begin the process first thing Wednesday morning.
In stark contrast to the Cuban influencer, Manny Cid expressed his willingness to accept the results. "From the bottom of my heart, I thank the thousands of 305 residents who placed their trust in me. Although we did not win tonight, the hope of creating a Miami-Dade that works for all of us remains alive," Cid told his supporters.
Meanwhile, Daniella Levine Cava has expressed her elation over her victory. "We did it! I am honored to have earned the trust of our residents to serve another four years as your mayor. Together, we achieved a decisive victory, showing that when we unite for progress, we are unstoppable. Let's celebrate tonight; tomorrow, we continue the work," she wrote on X.
Levine Cava's overwhelming advantage was not only reflected at the polls but also in her fundraising capabilities, as she managed to raise over $1.4 million for her campaign, compared to the $312,915 raised by Otaola.
Key Issues Surrounding the Miami-Dade Mayoral Election
The recent Miami-Dade mayoral election has sparked several questions and discussions. Below are some key questions and answers that provide further insights into the election and its aftermath.
Why is Alexander Otaola demanding a recount?
Alexander Otaola is demanding a recount because he does not recognize the election results until every vote is counted. He believes there may be irregularities that need to be addressed.
What was the outcome of the Miami-Dade mayoral election?
The current mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, won the election with 60 percent of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff. Manny Cid received 22 percent, and Alexander Otaola received 12 percent of the votes.
How did Daniella Levine Cava's fundraising compare to her opponents?
Daniella Levine Cava raised over $1.4 million for her campaign, significantly more than the $312,915 raised by Alexander Otaola.