Francis Suarez: The Political Journey of Miami's 43rd Mayor
Francis Xavier Suarez is an American lawyer and politician who made history as the 43rd mayor of Miami, serving from 2017 to 2025. As the first local-born mayor of the city and the first since 1996 not to be born in Cuba, Suarez represents a unique shift in Miami's political landscape. A member of the Republican Party, his career has spanned local governance, national leadership roles, and a bid for the presidency.
Before ascending to the mayor's office, Suarez established his political roots in the Miami City Commission, where he represented the 4th district from 2009 to 2017. His academic background provided a foundation in both business and law, holding a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida International University (FIU) and a Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Florida, earned in 2004.
Key Facts
- Full Name: Francis Xavier Suarez
- Role: 43rd Mayor of Miami (2017–2025)
- Political Party: Republican
- Education: BBA from Florida International University; JD from University of Florida
- National Leadership: 80th President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (2022–2023)
- Notable Advocacy: Strong proponent of cryptocurrency and digital transformation in government
Rise to Power and Mayoral Tenure
Suarez was first elected mayor in 2017, a victory attributed in part to a successful absentee ballot strategy. He secured a second term in 2021 with a landslide victory, receiving over 78% of the vote on the first ballot. His administration focused heavily on the modernization of Miami, emphasizing the digitalization of bureaucratic processes to make the city more business-friendly.
During his tenure, Suarez sought to position Miami as a global hub for wealth and technology, often referring to the city's potential as an "American Switzerland." He was particularly vocal about the role of cryptocurrency, famously opting to receive his mayoral salary in Bitcoin and proposing that city workers be paid in the digital currency.
Urban Development and Climate Action
Facing the immediate threat of rising sea levels, Suarez declared a "climate emergency" in 2019. He argued that climate change is not a theoretical threat but a real crisis for Miami, working to balance environmental urgency with economic growth. His infrastructure goals included exploring tunnel systems to alleviate city congestion, though he later expressed frustration with the slow pace of transportation progress.
National Leadership and Diplomacy
Beyond Miami, Suarez expanded his influence by serving as the 80th President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from January 2022 to June 2023. His role involved coordinating with federal leaders and international figures to address urban challenges.
Political Challenges and Presidential Bid
Suarez's career has not been without controversy. He faced several ethics investigations and a federal probe regarding payments received from developers. Additionally, his efforts to move city elections to even-numbered years and extend his term were met with legal challenges, eventually resulting in a judge ruling that the elections could not be postponed.
In June 2023, Suarez entered the 2024 Republican presidential race. His platform was noted for being more moderate than many of his GOP peers, particularly regarding his support for LGBTQ+ causes and opposition to the expansion of the "Don't Say Gay" legislation. However, after failing to qualify for the primary debates, he suspended his campaign in August 2023.
Following his presidential bid, Suarez endorsed Donald Trump and continued his mayoral duties until the end of his term in December 2025, where he was succeeded by Eileen Higgins.
Summary of Political Career
| Period | Position | Key Focus/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2017 | Miami City Commissioner | Represented the 4th district |
| 2017–2025 | Mayor of Miami | Digitalization, Crypto, Climate Action |
| 2022–2023 | President, U.S. Conference of Mayors | National urban leadership |
| 2023 | Presidential Candidate (GOP) | Suspended campaign in August 2023 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Francis Suarez?
Francis Suarez is an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as the 43rd mayor of Miami from 2017 to 2025 and was the 80th President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
What is Suarez's connection to cryptocurrency?
Suarez is a prominent advocate for cryptocurrency; he famously accepted his mayoral salary in Bitcoin and promoted Miami as a hub for the digital asset industry.
Did Francis Suarez run for President?
Yes, he launched a campaign for the 2024 Republican nomination in June 2023 but suspended his candidacy in August 2023 after failing to qualify for the GOP debates.
What makes Francis Suarez's mayoralty historic?
He was Miami's first local-born mayor and the first mayor not born in Cuba since 1996.
What are his views on climate change?
Suarez has described climate change as a real and immediate threat to Miami, declaring a climate emergency in 2019 to signal the city's urgency in addressing rising sea levels.