There is an old saying that all politics is local. In Wilton Manors, politics can sometimes feel even closer than that.

With the November 3, 2026 municipal election approaching, the city is entering an especially interesting political season — one where candidates, elected officials, community leaders, business owners, neighbors and friends frequently know one another personally. 

Three candidates are seeking the two-year term as mayor: Julie Carson, Jerry Fisichelli and Paul Rolli. 

Four candidates are competing for two four-year City Commission seats: Angel Burgos, Don D’Arminio, Manish Kalra and current Mayor Scott Newton. 

But beyond the names on the ballot, another campaign is unfolding in conversations throughout the community and across Facebook and other social-media platforms. 

Endorsements have created some particularly interesting political crosscurrents. 

Commissioner Don D’Arminio, himself seeking reelection, has endorsed former Commissioner Julie Carson for mayor rather than fellow Commissioner Paul Rolli. Former Commissioner Tom Green has also endorsed Carson. Meanwhile, Rolli has announced endorsements from Vice Mayor Chris Caputo, Commissioner Michael Bracchi and numerous other elected officials and community figures. 

In the commission contest, Burgos has highlighted support from Caputo and Bracchi, while the other candidates are building their own cases directly to Wilton Manors voters. 

That is where small-town politics becomes fascinating. 

In a community like Wilton Manors, an endorsement isn’t necessarily an abstract political statement. The person making it may be your neighbor, someone you see at dinner, a business owner you know, a community activist or someone whose Facebook posts you have followed for years. 

The unanswered question is whether all this conversation actually translates into votes. 

A Facebook endorsement may generate comments, shares and reactions. But Election Day asks a different question: 

Who actually votes? 

That may become one of the defining dynamics of this election. 

The candidates who can transform enthusiasm into participation — getting their supporters to actually cast ballots — will demonstrate the organizational strength of their campaigns. In a municipal election, every group of motivated voters can matter. 

History illustrates just how close these contests can become. In the 2020 Wilton Manors mayoral election, Scott Newton defeated Julie Carson by only 112 votes, 3,162 to 3,050, while Josie Malave received 874 votes. 

Wilton Manors has changed enormously over the decades, but it retains something distinctly personal about its politics. Candidates and supporters debate issues while continuing to encounter one another around town. 

That can occasionally make politics spirited. 

It also makes democracy remarkably immediate. 

Between now and November 3, there will undoubtedly be more endorsements, conversations and social-media debate. 

But ultimately Facebook doesn’t elect anyone. 

Voters do. And in Wilton Manors in 2026, turnout may tell one of the most important stories of election night. 

As Publisher of HotSpots Magazine, I also want to express how much we appreciate the tremendous support our publication continues to receive from the Wilton Manors community. 

Throughout this election season, HotSpots has been pleased to provide a highly visible platform for political communication by publishing paid advertising from a number of candidates seeking municipal office. We are proud that candidates recognize the importance of reaching our readers and communicating directly with the people who live, work, own businesses and participate in the life of this community. 

One of the most rewarding things for me personally has been walking around town and hearing people recognize and talk about candidates they have seen advertised in HotSpots. It has been fascinating to see those advertisements become part of the broader community conversation. 

That demonstrates something important: 

Local media still matters. 

When residents become more familiar with the people running for office, become curious about their positions, start conversations with their neighbors and ultimately become more engaged in an election, community media is performing an important civic function. 

After more than four decades of serving South Florida, we are proud that HotSpots continues to be a place where businesses, organizations, community leaders and political candidates can communicate with our readership. 

It is equally important to be clear that candidate advertising appearing in HotSpots is paid political advertising and does not, by itself, constitute an endorsement by HotSpots Magazine. 

Our role is bigger than any one candidate or any single election. It is about keeping our community connected, encouraging civic engagement and providing a platform through which people can become more familiar with those asking to represent them. 

To all of the candidates who have chosen HotSpots as part of their campaign outreach, thank you for your support and for recognizing the value of our readers. 

And to our readers, thank you for continuing to engage, ask questions, learn about the candidates and participate in the democratic process. 

The conversations taking place throughout Wilton Manors right now are evidence of a community that cares deeply about its future. 

Whatever your choice on Election Day, educate yourself about the candidates and make your own voice heard. 

Because ultimately, the future of Wilton Manors belongs to the people who call it home — and every vote is part of that future.

Bobby Blair is a former professional tennis player in the 1980s. Blair is a LGBTQ media pioneer, Executive Director of the Community Media Advocacy Network, and Publisher of Hotspots Magazine and Perks Plus VIP community mobile APP. He lives in Fort Lauderdale with his partner, Brian Neal. A Fort Lauderdale, Florida native.