By the Coral Gables Gazette editorial board

In Coral Gables, political campaigns now operate less like civic conversations and more like well-financed commercial enterprises. The numbers tell the story: In the most recent election cycle, candidates and their political committees raised over $1.6 million—an extraordinary sum for a city of fewer than 50,000 residents.

Mayor Vince Lago led the field with $478,475 raised through his campaign account. Commissioner Richard Lara brought in $271,950 and Vice Mayor Rhonda Anderson collected $108,255. Their combined total—$858,680—was bolstered by another $139,876 raised by their defeated opponents. Together, the nine candidates competing for office reported nearly $1 million in contributions.

Outside money added another layer. Lago’s political committee, Coral Gables First, reported $597,250. A separate committee aligned with former Commissioner Kirk Menendez—who lost his bid to unseat Lago—raised $32,500 under the name The Coral Gables Way. Altogether, the official tally for one municipal election reached $1,628,306. That figure excludes any unreported contributions or political committees that may also have played a role.

This level of fundraising has consequences. It draws in consultants, mail houses, media buyers, and campaign operatives who view Coral Gables not as a community to be served but as a market to be mined. One longtime local observer put it plainly — campaigning in Coral Gables has become a business. And like most businesses, it rewards scale, repetition and return on investment.

Campaign contributions are a legal and protected part of the political process. The concern is about proportion, access and the effect of money on public trust. The city’s relatively small electorate—about 30,000 active voters—now attracts campaign strategies that rival those used in county and congressional races, with a similar reliance on polished messaging, paid consultants, and high-volume spending.

The result is a civic environment where money overshadows message. Unlike in 2023, this year’s election cycle left candidates without donor networks or outside backing at a stark disadvantage. Voters were bombarded with glossy mailers, robocalls, and digital ads but encountered fewer opportunities for direct engagement or open debate. As the cost of entry rises, the quality of discourse declines.

One longtime local observer put it plainly — campaigning in Coral Gables has become a business.

High campaign costs discourage participation. When candidates believe they must raise $200,000 to be competitive, many capable residents choose not to run at all. Public service should remain open to those with ideas and integrity—not just those with access to donors or political machinery.

Consultants and power brokers now shape public service into a professionalized track. Large donors influence how policy takes form, distancing decision-making from the residents most affected by it. When money dominates campaigns, voters lose confidence that local government listens and responds.

Coral Gables already meets legal standards for campaign finance transparency. State law governs disclosure, and voters can access contribution records through public channels. The city’s challenge lies in the scale and structure of modern campaigns, where six-figure budgets and consultant-driven messaging have become routine.

Addressing that challenge begins with civic expectations. Residents, civic groups, and candidates can reinforce a culture that values ideas, accountability, and direct voter engagement. Effective campaigns reach the public without relying on costly consultants or oversized media operations.

Coral Gables benefits when candidates compete on vision, not volume. A civic reset can encourage more residents to run for office, demonstrate that public service remains accessible, and build trust in a system guided by participation rather than production.

Voters, too, carry responsibility. Attention, scrutiny, and turnout remain the strongest tools for ensuring that influence follows engagement.

Coral Gables is a city with a proud tradition of civic involvement, architectural integrity, and thoughtful planning. Its elections should reflect those same values. Campaigns should be competitive—but also substantive, respectful, and accessible to qualified candidates regardless of financial backing.

Coral Gables should channel civic energy and electoral enthusiasm into campaigns that reflect the city’s values and focus on public service. Campaigns should elevate ideas, strengthen community trust, and invite broader participation. A city as exceptional as Coral Gables deserves nothing less.