Although he came up short in his bid for Miami Beach mayor, Michael Góngora has left an indelible mark on the city.
Góngora was voted Best Politician by readers of OutSFL. The 53-year-old attorney served three terms on the Miami Beach City Commission.
“I have sponsored more LGBTQ ordinances and resolutions than anybody in the history of our city,” Góngora said.
Góngora, the city’s first openly gay commissioner, advanced to the runoff election, where he fell to Steven Meiner 54% to 46%.
“Thanks to the thousands of supporters who supported me and my family on this election journey,” Góngora said. “The results were not what we had hoped for, but thanks to strong support we were able to get out our message for a better and safer Miami Beach.”
On the campaign trail, Góngora touted his efforts at creating an anti-bullying task force that has produced manuals and training that are sensitive to the needs of minorities. He expressed disbelief in the Miami-Dade County School Board’s opposition to recognizing LGBTQ History Month.
“All of a sudden because of the attacks we’re seeing in Tallahassee, school board members are afraid to even recognize our history. It makes me feel angry. It makes me feel ready to fight.”
Runner-up: Daniella Levine Cava
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