Freddy Ramirez drops out of 2024 race for Miami-Dade sheriff. Here's who else is running
MIAMI -- Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez has announced he will not be a candidate for the county's sheriff's post during the 2024 election but there are at least nine other candidates who are still in the race.
The primary election for the post is scheduled for Aug. 20, which will be followed by the general election on Nov. 5, 2024.
A constitutional amendment requires that Miami-Dade elect a sheriff next year. The county has not had an elected sheriff since 1966, when the position was eliminated as a result of a wide-ranging corruption scandal.
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava currently wields the power of sheriff in the county since Miami-Dade is the only one in the state where the mayor has dual responsibility. In other Florida counties, it is an independently elected position.
Several of the candidates issued statements following news of Ramirez's decision to withdraw from the race.
As of Wednesday and after Ramirez's decision, there were three Democrats who have announced their intentions to run:
- John Barrow who joined the Miami-Dade Police Department in 2007 and rose through the ranks before being promoted to a major in 2020.
- Former federal agent Susan Khoury, a West Kendall resident who serves as a board member of the Miami-Dade County League of Women Voters. She rescinded her federal position on Sept. 15, 2023 after officially filing and announcing her candidacy for the post. "Director Ramirez's decision to end his campaign for sheriff shows he is prioritizing his health and family. It takes courage to do the right thing and despite this being a difficult decision, I commend him for it."
- Retired Miami-Dade police Lt. Rickey Mitchell. ""Our prayers were with Director Ramirez and his family during his medical treatment, and we are thankful to hear of his return home. This incident was deeply saddening, and we continue to hope for his well-being and continued good health.".
On the GOP side, six Republicans are vying for the post, including:
- Jaspen Bishop, who lives in Homestead. "I completely understand and have the utmost respect for him for focusing on his health and family. He has served the department and the community well, and we are all better for it."
- Ruamen Delarua, a 14 year veteran of the Miami Police Department and retired District Commander of Marion County Sheriff's Office. "As previously stated, I believe the priorities for Freddy right now should be focused on his health and his family. As hard as it must have been, I'm glad to see he made the right decision to focus on getting the proper help needed."
- Alex Fornet, a retired Miami-Dade police reserve officer. "I am pleased and proud of him in his decision to do the right thing. Director Ramirez, and his family come first."
- Mario Knapp, a retired Miami-Dade police officer. "I'm happy to hear that he's going to be free of all of this extra stress that is going to be on his life. It's good for him and it's good for his family."
- Orlando Lopez. a Homestead resident. "My thoughts and prayers continue for Director Ramairez. We will continue to support him and his family. He has done so much for our community and department and wish him the best."
- Ernie Rodriguez, a retired Miami-Dade police officer. "The events that unfolded over the recent weeks are heartbreaking. Freddy has had a career many dream of. Freddy's family and his mental well-being are a priority."
