3 more local leaders back Fabián Basabe for re-election

Three more local elected officials are backing Miami Beach Republican Rep. Fabián Basabe’s re-election effort, including one leader who was previously at odds with the lawmaker.

Vice Mayor Tina Paul and Commissioner Ruben Coto of Surfside confirmed in letters this month that they’re supporting Basabe’s bid to win a third term representing House District 106 next year.

So is North Bay Village Commissioner Richard Chervony, who said that while he endorsed one of Basabe’s opponents in a prior election cycle, he’s squarely behind the incumbent this time around after seeing him work.

In fact, all three officials lauded Basabe’s dedication to his job.

Paul, a Democrat, said that in her many years of public service, she has rarely seen an elected leader who is “consistently present, engaged, and genuinely connected to the daily concerns of our community.”

Basabe, she said, “is one of those exceptions.”

“He regularly attends local events, community discussions, and commission meetings to listen, learn, and respond to residents’ needs. He is accessible, thoughtful and responsive to the issues brought forward by local governments and constituents alike. Representative Basabe approaches government with a common-sense mindset, focused on collaboration and practical solutions over partisanship,” she wrote.

“While we may not always share the same perspective on every issue, his openness to dialogue and willingness to consider different viewpoints reflect a strong commitment to effective public service. His continued engagement has had a positive impact within our town and neighboring coastal communities.”

Coto, a Republican, shared a similar estimation of Basabe in a letter to the lawmaker.

“We appreciate your focus on essential local issues, including advocating for homeowners and taxpayers, enhancing public safety, modernizing our infrastructure, and protecting our vital beaches. Your work in Tallahassee to champion the needs of local law enforcement and first responders has been particularly impactful,” he wrote.

“We are grateful for your accessibility and collaborative spirit, which has been instrumental in addressing the unique challenges our town faces. I fully support your continued efforts and vision for a stronger, more resilient Florida.”

Chervony, a Democrat, noted in his communication that he’d witnessed a “smear campaign” against Basabe in the past election cycle that “had gone too far.”

The attacks against Basabe, he said, “were disgraceful and completely unsubstantiated,” amounting to “a character assassination that crossed every ethical line of public service.”

Chervony did not go into detail about what he was referring to. He may have been referencing a Miami Herald report in late October about a man who claimed Basabe raped him in 2003. Basabe is also representing himself against a defamation lawsuit brought by a pair of former House employees who accused him of sexual harassment. Two House probes into those staffers’ complaints found “no evidence” and “inconclusive” evidence of wrongdoing by him.

“Watching how Fabián responded during that period changed my perspective (about him) entirely. He never retaliated, never lost focus, and continued doing his job with dignity and professionalism. That kind of composure under pressure is the definition of leadership,” Chervony wrote.

“Since taking office, Fabián has proven himself to be a constant and accessible force for our community. He is present, dependable, and deeply engaged in helping our city navigate challenges and access resources. I have seen his commitment up close, and I can say confidently that he is exactly the kind of representative North Bay Village deserves. I want to acknowledge that I misjudged him before, and I am proud to make that right now.”

In a statement, Basabe said he appreciated Chervony’s endorsement and “willingness to speak honestly and publicly about how perspectives can change.”

“His letter shows what it looks like to choose integrity over division,” he said.

“My work has always been based on showing up, listening, and doing the job, not performing politics or fueling division. I am grateful this shines through. When disagreements occur, I continue partnering with every municipality, every official, and every resident who is willing to work in good faith. I am grateful to be reciprocated with honesty. This is how we restore trust.”

The new endorsements join others from Reps. Alex Rizo of Hialeah and Jose Alvarez of Kissimmee, Miami-Dade Tax Collector Dariel Fernandez, Aventura City Commissioner Gustavo Blachman, Bal Harbour Council member Buzzy Sklar and Miami Beach running legend Robert “Raven” Kraft, who said Basabe’s actions last year helped save him from homelessness.

Rizo, Fernandez, Blachman, Sklar and Kraft are Republicans. Alvarez is a Democrat.

During the 2025 Legislative Session, Basabe passed five bills, including measures to safeguard historic structures and crack down on irresponsible owners of derelict vessels, while securing millions of dollars in state funding for projects in and outside of his district.

Two Democrats have filed to run against Basabe: former Miami-Dade School Board member Lucia Báez-Geller, whom he’s accused of lodging “false, malicious” accusations against him, and lawyer Ashley Litwin Diego, who has enlisted the services of influential consultant Christian Ulvert.

HD 106 covers a coastal strip of Miami-Dade between Miami Beach and Aventura.