Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson won re-election to the Coral Gables City Commission on Tuesday, defeating two challengers to retain her Group II seat and reaffirming the strength of the city’s incumbent leadership.
Anderson, a close ally of Mayor Vince Lago, earned 58.2 percent of the vote (5,823 votes)—the most of any candidate on the ballot and swept all 16 precincts. Architect Felix Pardo received 37.3 percent (3,729 votes), while attorney Laureano Cancio drew 4.5 percent (447 votes) in the three-way race.
Anderson’s victory does not immediately shift the commission’s power dynamics. That will be determined in a runoff election on April 22, when voters will choose between Richard Lara and Tom Wells to fill the Group III seat vacated by Commissioner Kirk Menendez, who lost his mayoral bid.
Throughout the campaign, Anderson emphasized her legislative record on controlling development, addressing neighborhood concerns, and advancing infrastructure priorities. Though often aligned with Lago in key votes, she has publicly stated that she makes decisions independently.
Pardo, who has served on the city’s Planning and Zoning Board, positioned himself as a clear alternative. He argued that the commission—Anderson included—had been too accommodating to developers at the expense of the city’s character and quality of life. His campaign focused heavily on curbing overdevelopment and advocating for resident-driven planning.
Anderson outpaced her challengers in fundraising, reporting $66,080 raised by the final pre-election filing deadline. Pardo reported $24,100 in contributions, while Cancio raised $1,820. Although the financial gap between Anderson and her opponents was significant, it was narrower than in other races, including those for mayor and the Group III commission seat.
Anderson’s victory, coupled with Lago’s re-election as mayor, reinforces the incumbents’ foothold in City Hall. Still, the balance of power hinges on the outcome of the April runoff. The commission has frequently split 3–2 on controversial votes over the past two years, with Anderson and Lago on one side, and Commissioners Melissa Castro, Ariel Fernandez, and Menendez—now departing—on the other.
The Gazette was unable to reach Anderson for comment on Election Night.
