Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is generating buzz around a potential presidential bid, with a "major announcement" expected in the coming weeks. He teased the news during an appearance on "Fox News Sunday," hinting at a forthcoming speech at the Reagan Library. This move would place him in the expanding Republican field, alongside prominent figures like former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Suarez has been actively exploring a presidential campaign for months, visiting key primary states and expressing optimism about his chances in the GOP primary. He previously emphasized the importance of inspiring voters and showcasing a track record of success and a clear vision for the future.
Suarez's potential announcement comes amidst an ethics investigation into outside payments he received for private consulting work. The Miami-Dade Commission on Ethics and Public Trust, in conjunction with the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s office, is investigating payments of at least $170,000 Suarez received from developer Rishi Kapoor since 2021. Suarez has firmly denied any conflicts of interest and criticized the Miami Herald, which initially reported the investigation, for alleged liberal bias.
Suarez is scheduled to speak at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute in Simi Valley, California. The Reagan Foundation notes Suarez’s significant electoral victories as Miami’s mayor, highlighting his 86% win in 2017 and his nearly 79% re-election in 2021. His father, Xavier Suarez, was Miami’s first Cuban-American mayor.
The Republican field is becoming increasingly crowded, with contenders including former Vice President Mike Pence, former United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson, Senator Tim Scott, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Larry Elder.
