Political text message puts spotlight on Miami-Dade elections supervisor race

A political text message sent to voters is drawing attention in the first partisan campaign for the position of Miami-Dade Elections Supervisor. In part, the text urges voters to reject Democratic candidate J.C. Planas on the grounds that he is “pretending to be a Democrat.” Planas told NBC6 that he personally got the text and described it as a last-ditch effort by his rival, the Republican candidate Alina Garcia.

“Do not be confused, Progressives are rejecting J.C. Planas – and so should you!” the test continues. Planas, an electoral law expert and law professor, spent eight years in the Florida State House. In South Florida politics, his shift in party identification is well known. “I mean, I used to be a Republican, and everyone knows that. Planas stated, “I changed parties due to Donald Trump’s election denial.” “I’m running now to protect our democracy.”

The writing said, “This fraud does not deserve our votes.” It states at the bottom that Garcia paid for it and that she did not dispute that her campaign distributed it. Garcia stated, “I believe that my opponent becomes whatever he needs to become.” “Therefore, I don’t believe he is a true Democrat, but I do believe he does whatever is convenient.” Like Planas, Garcia is well-known in the neighborhood. She now serves as a representative for District 115 in the State House of Representatives. In 2022, Garcia was elected to that position.

For some reason, I believe she’s attempting to sow doubt among Democrats.Planas remarked, “I don’t think she understands that no one is going to fall for stuff like that.” In addition to the back-and-forth text exchange, NBC 6 questioned each contender about their unique qualities. “I’m not an academic,” Garcia declared. “I am someone who has always gotten her hands dirty and rolled up her sleeves.”

Planas, however, emphasized his work experience. “I have more than 15 years of experience as an elections lawyer. I have completed more than 20 recounts in various electoral agencies around the state, not just in Miami-Dade. Planas benefits from Miami-Dade’s strong Democratic leanings, particularly in a presidential contest. The final Republican presidential candidate to win Miami-Dade was George H.W. Bush.