Historic shift in Hialeah politics: First woman mayor takes office amid council shakeup

Miami Herald

28-04-2025

From housewife and mother of three to mayor of the second-largest city in Miami-Dade County—Jacqueline Garcia-Roves made that leap in just six years.
Garcia-Roves is becoming the first woman to serve as mayor of Hialeah, a strong mayor position, taking on the role in an interim capacity during the city's centennial anniversary, following Esteban 'Steve' Bovo's resignation to become a lobbyist in Washington, D.C, a move that took effect on Sunday.
Garcia-Roves, 42, a mother who homeschooled her children, entered politics following in the footsteps of her father, Bernardo Garcia-Roves—a respected community leader who advised several of Hialeah's mayors and council members. Though politically connected for years, she formally stepped into the public spotlight in 2019 with the backing of then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez. Running on his slate, she defeated Milly Herrera, a prominent advocate for Hialeah Park. Known for her quiet presence during meetings, Garcia-Roves has typically supported items on the agenda and rarely voices opposition.
'I may be quiet, but I'm a firm believer that actions speak louder than words. I don't believe in speaking without purpose' said Garcia-Roves in her speech as mayor. 'I am here to work, to listen and to lead by example, with a clear focus on doing what is best for our beloved city.'
To the media, Garcia-Roves said she plans to follow in the footsteps of former Mayor Bovo in governing the city. However, she pledged to ease the burden of Hialeah's high water and sewer fees—the fourth highest in Miami-Dade County. While she did not specify who would benefit from this relief, her office said the plan would be subsidized through grants the city has received. A similar promise was made by Bovo during his tenure but ultimately went unfulfilled.
In 2023, during an election year, the city announced it would invest $250,000 in the Utility Assessment Relief Program (UARP) to help seniors offset a water rate hike that was implemented in September 2022. However, public records obtained by El Nuevo Herald reveal that only $4,711.50 in grants have actually been distributed through the program.
One of the most defining moments of her political career came in 2022, when she led a public campaign to raise mental health awareness after losing a family member to suicide. last year, Garcia-Roves gained attention again when Hialeah opposed Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava's proposal to hold a referendum for a $2.5 billion debt plan. As council vice president at the time, Garcia-Roves made an unusual statement on behalf of Bovo's administration, announcing the introduction of a resolution opposing any county bond referendum.
Garcia-Roves was reelected unopposed to the city council in 2023, and a year later, she was chosen by her fellow council members to serve as council president—a symbolic role unless the mayor's seat becomes vacant, as it has now. According to the city charter, when the mayor's seat is vacated, the council president assumes the role. Although the next mayoral election is scheduled for November, a recent change to the city code allows for a two-month transition period after the election. As a result, Garcia-Roves will serve as interim mayor until January 2026—unless she decides to run for the office herself.
When asked by the Herald whether she intends to run, Garcia-Roves didn't rule it out. 'It's a big decision I have to make,' she said. 'I need to sit down with my family and determine that. Right now, I'm focused on the position I've been entrusted with. But I have until June to make up my mind.'
Several politicians are eyeing the mayor's seat in Hialeah now that it's officially open. Miami-Dade County Commissioner René Garcia entered the race on March 31, filing his candidacy documents. He is set to challenge former council member Bryan Calvo, who was the first to launch his campaign after learning that Bovo would be stepping down. But they may not be the only contenders.
Although no one else has formally filed paperwork, Councilwoman Monica Perez, reelected in 2023, told the Herald she is 'considering' run for mayor. She said several residents have encouraged her, though she made it clear she would not run against Commissioner Garcia if he decides to stay in the race. Garcia has told multiple TV outlets that he has not made a final decision and will wait until the qualification period, which runs from July 7-28, to determine whether he'll remain a candidate.
Another potential contender: Council Member Jesus Tundidor, who, like Perez and Garcia-Roves was elected in 2019 under then-Mayor Carlos Hernandez. However, Tundidor filed on April 4 to run for the Miami-Dade Commission seat that Garcia may vacate—anticipating a possible shuffle in political positions. Once considered the front-runner to succeed former Mayor Bovo, Tundidor was widely expected to have the former mayor's endorsement. Instead, Bovo threw his support behind Commissioner Garcia.
With Garcia-Roves stepping into the mayor's role, her city council seat will remain vacant until at least January 2026. Two potential candidates have emerged as front runners to fill it.
One of them is William Marrero, 21, who currently serves as an aide to Council Member Luis Rodriguez, who is also up for reelection. Marrero is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Public Administration at Florida International University, after earning an Associate in Arts degree in Public Policy and Services. He has been involved in public service since the age of 15, including four years working with Rodriguez.
Marrero told the Herald he believes the city needs leaders who listen. His experience in politics, he said, gives him firsthand insight into how local government operates — and where it needs to improve.
Marrero is also the boyfriend of Lorena Romero, 24, the newly appointed chief of staff to Mayor Garcia-Roves. Romero rose quickly through the ranks, going from a council aide to one of the city's most influential positions. Marrero's potential candidacy has raised questions about his independence and whether he may receive preferential support from the mayor. While the mayor does not have a vote on the council, the symbolic weight of the position and Garcia-Roves' influence could sway the council's decision.
The other potential candidate is Eduardo Santiesteban, 49, a community activist and advertising professional whose political involvement began after a personal crisis involving his daughter. Her respiratory condition was endangered by limited access between Hialeah and Miami Lakes, particularly in the city's newly developed area near I-75. Motivated by the urgency of the situation, Santiesteban led a successful campaign to open a connecting bridge along Northwest 170th Street. He gained the support of Bovo, at the time a county commissioner. After becoming mayor, Bovo fulfilled the promise in August 2022, improving access for more than 16,000 residents in the area.
Santiesteban ran for city council in 2021 in hopes of doing more for his neighborhood in Hialeah Heights, but lost in the primary. The seat was ultimately won by Bryan Calvo, who went on to become the sole opposition voice during Bovo's mayoral term. Another candidate in that race, Angelica Pacheco, later won a seat in 2023 but was removed by Gov. Ron DeSantis amid an ongoing FBI investigation into alleged healthcare fraud. Her trial is currently underway.
When Pacheco's seat became vacant, Santiesteban attempted to fill it. However, then-Mayor Bovo reportedly pressured council members to withhold their support, arguing that since Santiesteban had previously lost an election, he should earn a seat through the voters, not by appointment. Local politicians told the Herald at the time that Bovo even threatened to veto the appointment if it moved forward.
'If you have run for office and not won, you should pursue the position through an electoral process,' Bovo said last year.
The open mayoral seat, combined with four council seats up for election—including two currently held by interim appointees—raises the possibility of a complete political overhaul in Hialeah. If Garcia-Roves and Perez decide to run for mayor, and Tundidor pursues a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission, every seat on the City Council could be in play this election cycle.