West Miami swears in mayor and three commissioners after high voter turnout

Mayor Eric Diaz Padron and three commissioners were sworn into office at a swearing-in ceremony in the City of West Miami on April 20, 2026, after City Clerk Anorie Gonzalez certified the April 14 municipal election results.

Anorie Gonzalez, the city clerk, reported there were 3,490 registered voters in precinct 426 and that 1,354 ballots were cast — 948 in person and 406 by mail — in the municipal and special elections. Gonzalez read vote totals and declared the top vote recipients elected: Eric Diaz Padron for mayor (955 votes) and Gustavo J. Savvayos, Juan M. Blanes and Victoria Deator as commissioners for their respective terms.

Mayor Eric Diaz Padron, who took the oath administered by Judge Gomez, thanked campaign volunteers, judges and residents and framed the new term around continuity of recent progress. "We will continue expanding green space. We will continue improving our recreation facilities. We will continue supporting our seniors, our families, and our youth," Diaz Padron said, adding that residents had recently seen "lower taxes, stronger financial reserves, safer streets" and noting the high turnout in the election.

Vice Mayor Ivan Chavez Jr. opened the program and recognized visiting officials and community partners. He credited the slate's success to strong resident engagement and volunteers who "walked doors" and organized turnout. Several speakers, including the mayor and commissioners, described the election as historic for the city because of the turnout.

Commissioners were sworn in by county judges and offered brief remarks. Gustavo J. Savvayos thanked residents and noted his recent service; Juan M. Blanes emphasized gratitude to staff and family and said he looked forward to implementing items "in the pipeline;" Victoria Deator celebrated the campaign's energy, thanked supporters and pledged to be accessible and collaborative.

The program also honored outgoing Commissioner Luciano Suarez. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milan Orvis presented a proclamation recognizing Suarez's service and the commission presented him with a key to the city; Suarez reflected on 26 years in office and recounted campaign memories and community milestones.

The ceremony concluded with an invitation to refreshments and a photo opportunity. No votes or policy decisions were taken at the event; it was a ceremonial installation and public recognition of elected officials.

Provenance: Reporting is based on the ceremony transcript and the clerk's certification of results read aloud at the event.