In the first partisan race for Miami-Dade elections director, a political letter sent to voters is drawing attention.
Part of the text asks voters to reject Democratic candidate JC Planas because he is “pretending to be a Democrat.”
Planas told NBC6 he received the document and claimed it was a desperate tactic by his opponent in the race, Republican Alina Garcia.
The test goes on to say, “Don’t be confused, progressives reject the JC Planus. So should you!”
Planas is a law professor who specializes in election law and served in the Florida Legislature for eight years. His change of party affiliation is no secret in South Florida politics.
“So I’m a former Republican. Everyone knows I’m a former Republican. I changed parties because of Donald Trump’s election denialism,” Planas said. “And now I’m running to protect democracy.”
“This fraud doesn’t deserve our votes,” the text said. At the bottom, voters were told that Mr. Garcia had paid the funds, and Mr. Garcia did not deny that his campaign had sent the funds.
“I think the opponent is going to be whatever he wants to be,” Garcia said. “So I don’t think he’s a true democrat, but I think he does whatever is convenient.”
Garcia, like Planas, is well known in the community. She currently serves in the state House of Representatives representing the 115th District. Mr. Garcia was elected to the post in 2022.
“I think she’s trying to create some kind of uncertainty with the Democratic Party for some reason…I don’t think she understands that no one is going to fall for something like that.” Planas said.
Aside from the text message exchange, NBC 6 asked both candidates what the differences are.
“I’m not a professor,” Garcia said. “I’ve always been someone who has rolled up my sleeves and gotten my hands dirty.”
However, Mr. Planas touted his professional career.
“I’ve been an election attorney for over 15 years. I’ve conducted over 20 recounts, not only in Miami-Dade, but in other election offices around the state.”
Miami-Dade is heavily Democratic, giving Planas an advantage, especially in the presidential election. George H.W. Bush was the last Republican presidential candidate to win Miami-Dade in 1988.
