Steven Meiner, who became mayor of Miami Beach in 2023 after a runoff victory against Michael Gongora, has seen substantial financial backing from the real estate and hospitality sectors as he seeks re-election. Despite introducing legislation to limit developers’ ability to increase project density—requiring six out of seven city commission members, including the mayor, to approve requests exceeding maximum floor area ratio (FAR)—Meiner’s term has faced controversy.
In March, Meiner encountered community backlash for attempting to terminate a lease with O Cinema at a city-owned building because the company would not halt screenings of a Gaza War documentary he considered offensive. He also resigned from his position as an attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission during an investigation into allegations that he sexually harassed three colleagues and an intern.
While prominent developers with pending business before the city cannot donate directly due to regulations, Miami Beach First—a political action committee supporting Meiner—has received $134,000 from notable figures in local real estate and hospitality. Overall, Miami Beach First has raised $540,745; Meiner’s individual campaign collected $97,727.
Lennar co-CEO Stuart Miller contributed $50,000 to Miami Beach First. In April, the Federal Elections Commission dismissed complaints against Miller regarding alleged concealment of identity in prior political donations.
Other significant contributors include Michael Simkins ($25,000), Marc Roberts ($10,000), David Grutman ($20,000), Alex Kleyner ($18,000), Scott Robins and Naftali Group ($10,000 each), Julia Grimes and entities managed by Jimmy Resnick ($5,000 each), and Faena Hotel Miami Beach ($2,000). Meiner’s campaign also received $5,500 from entities linked to Infinity Real Estate.
Meiner said: “Residents and businesses recognize our success and want to keep the momentum going for Miami Beach.”
His opponent in the November 4 election is City Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez. She has focused her fundraising on individual contributions rather than through a PAC and has received support from groups such as Save (an LGBTQ rights group) and the Miami-Dade Democratic Party. Rosen Gonzalez has also attracted donations from restaurant and hotel owners in the Art Deco District.
“They are very upset with the current state of the city,” Rosen Gonzalez said. “They have more confidence in me than the mayor. When the streets are empty and hotels aren’t full, that is a problem.”
Rosen Gonzalez’s campaign has raised $146,806 total—including about $28,000 from local real estate and hospitality professionals—compared with Meiner’s combined PAC and campaign total of over $638,000. Donors include members of families like Mirmelli (each giving $1,000), Catherine and Anthony Arrighi (owners of Ocean’s Ten restaurant) along with two managed entities (each giving $1,000), five affiliates of Think Hospitality led by Shawn Vardi (a combined $5,000), Alan Lieberman’s South Beach Hotel Group (a combined $3,000 from family members/entities), five entities managed by Jim Cavanaugh ($1,000 each), as well as Palace Bar, Mango’s Tropical Cafe, Prime 112 and Big Pink restaurants/bars (each giving $1,000).
Last month saw Infinity Real Estate acquire property on Alton Road previously owned by developer Michael Shvo.
The upcoming election highlights contrasting approaches between Meiner—backed strongly by PAC funding—and Rosen Gonzalez—with more direct industry support through her campaign account.
