The District 6 Florida State Fraternal Order of Police, which represents more than 4,500 law enforcement officers in Miami-Dade County, is backing Destiny Alvarez in her bid for Circuit Court Judge in Group 67.
In its endorsement, the group praised Alvarez for her judicial fairness and commitment to justice.
“Throughout her legal career, Mrs. Alvarez has demonstrated integrity, professionalism, fairness, and a strong commitment to justice. She has consistently shown respect for the rule of law and the constitutional rights of all individuals while recognizing the importance of public safety and accountability,” said Felix Del Rosario, the group’s Director.
Alvarez said she was honored to earn the group’s support.
“I am deeply grateful to the brave police officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep our families and communities safe,” she said.
Alvarez is a Miami-based lawyer and the managing partner in the Miami office of Goede, DeBoest & Cross.
She’s running on a platform centered on ruling from the bench with integrity and fairness, as well as a commitment to treating every person before her with dignity and deciding cases based on the law.
Alvarez is challenging incumbent Circuit Court Judge Mavel Ruiz, who made headlines in October after she temporarily blocked Miami Dade College’s transfer of prime downtown land for a planned Donald Trump presidential library.
Ruiz ultimately dismissed the case in December after the school’s Board of Trustees held a publicly noticed vote on the matter.
But last month, an appellate panel found Ruiz showed bias toward the plaintiff in the case, local activist and historian Marvin Dunn, by hugging him after the December hearing and appearing to thank him for filing his complaint. Ruiz had also shaken hands with lawyers on both sides of the case before she “briefly hugged” Dunn, a sworn declaration by Dunn said.
Alvarez has raised more than $100,000 since filing to challenge Ruiz. Ruiz reported raising close to $70,000 since filing for the 2026 cycle last July.
Judicial contests are technically nonpartisan, and with just two candidates on the ballot for the Group 67 race, the winner is on track to be decided in the Aug. 18 Primary.
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Jesse Scheckner of Florida Politics contributed to this report.
