In a compelling contest for the District 3 seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission, voters will witness a rare face-off between two candidates they have previously elected. Incumbent Commissioner Keon Hardemon is set to clash with his predecessor, Audrey Edmonson, in a race filled with political intrigue and differing visions for the future.
Edmonson, who stepped down from her commission seat in 2020 due to newly implemented term-limit rules, is making a remarkable return as the first former commissioner to seek reelection after a hiatus. The term-limit regulations allow candidates to run again after being out of office, adding an exciting dimension to this contest. The district encompasses a diverse area from downtown Miami to Miami Shores, including historically significant Black neighborhoods such as Brownsville, Liberty City, and Overtown.
During a recent forum hosted by the Miami Foundation, Hardemon, 40, framed the election as a choice between the past and the future. “You’re either voting for the past, and going back to conditions that were unbearable,” he stated, positioning himself as the candidate of progress. In contrast, Edmonson, 71, highlighted her past accomplishments and criticized Hardemon’s tenure, claiming, “I’m back by popular demand… The current commissioner is not accessible. He’s not there for the community.”
In addition to the rivalry between Hardemon and Edmonson, the race also features a third candidate, Marion Brown, 59, a construction business owner. Brown has voiced dissatisfaction with Hardemon’s performance, stating, “Keon is not doing a great job. He’s let the community down.” His campaign focuses on slowing down gentrification in District 3, reflecting concerns that long-time residents are being pushed out.
With three candidates in the fray, the August 20 election could potentially lead to a runoff in November if no candidate secures more than 50% of the vote. Hardemon, as the incumbent and chair of the commission committee overseeing Miami International Airport, enjoys a substantial fundraising advantage, amassing over $1.3 million in campaign contributions over the past four years. In contrast, Edmonson’s fundraising efforts remain less transparent, with her campaign account reporting $45,000 raised since her entry into the race in February, and no clear disclosure of her affiliated political committees. Brown’s campaign has reported a modest $2,500 in fundraising.
Both Hardemon and Edmonson prioritize addressing gun violence in their platforms, each vowing to build upon previous efforts. Hardemon highlighted his sponsorship of a 2021 initiative that allocated $8 million for anti-violence programs funded by a sponsorship deal with the crypto company FTX. “Instead of preaching at these kids and telling them not to do drugs and not to commit crimes, we actually put money in their pockets,” he remarked.
Conversely, Edmonson promised to engage directly with sources of violence in the community, sharing her past experiences meeting with gang leaders to mediate conflicts. “We were meeting with the gang leaders,” she noted, referencing her proactive approach during her previous term.
Brown, who also expressed his commitment to reducing youth violence, emphasized the need for community involvement in safety efforts. He suggested that more club owners should hire off-duty police to enhance security and foster collaboration among residents. “Neighbors to neighbors,” he stated, underscoring his grassroots approach to tackling violence.
As the election draws nearer, the race between Hardemon, Edmonson, and Brown is not only a battle for the District 3 seat but also a reflection of the broader issues facing Miami-Dade County. With each candidate presenting distinct visions for the future of the district, voters are poised to make a pivotal choice that will shape the community’s trajectory for years to come.
