North Miami-Dade officials endorse ‘true public servant’ Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo for SD 34

Eight current and former municipal leaders from across north Miami-Dade County have lined up behind Democratic entrepreneur Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo’s bid for Senate District 34, her campaign announced this week.

Opa-locka Vice Mayor Joseph Kelly, North Miami Beach Commissioner Jay Chernoff and Opa-locka Commissioners Sherelean Bass, Natasha Ervin and Luis Santiago have all endorsed Sanon-Jules Olivo.

So have former state Sen. Daphne Campbell, former North Miami Mayor Joe Celestin and former North Miami Beach Mayor Evan Piper.

Several offered statements explaining their support.

“I am pleased to endorse Christine for State Senate District 34,” Kelly said.

“Public service means stepping forward to make a difference, and I appreciate her willingness to do so. I wish her the very best in this campaign and encourage voters to support her as she seeks the opportunity to serve our district.”

Bass said Sanon-Jules Olivo “has demonstrated a genuine commitment to serving our communities with integrity and compassion, and to creating opportunities for working families.”

“I am confident she will be a strong advocate for our residents and will work tirelessly to make a positive difference in Tallahassee,” she added. “I encourage everyone to support Christine Sanon-Jules for State Senate.”

Piper said he’s confident Sanon-Jules Olivo “will be a true public servant and have the greater good at heart.”

“It is an honor to endorse Christine,” he said.

A Miami-Dade native and Haitian American, Sanon-Jules Olivo is running on a platform focused on addressing affordability challenges. Her priorities, according to her campaign, include expanding pathways to homeownership, addressing childcare costs, improving healthcare access, strengthening education and workforce development, supporting small businesses, and protecting seniors and veterans.

She said she is “deeply grateful” for the endorsements from local leaders she hopes to represent in SD 34, which covers northeast Miami-Dade, including Bay Harbor Islands, Bal Harbour, Biscayne Park, El Portal, Miami Beach, Miami Gardens, Miami Shores Village, North Bay Village, North Miami, North Miami Beach, Opa-locka and Surfside.

“Their endorsements strengthen our campaign and reinforce what I continue to hear from residents across the district: families want leaders who listen, collaborate, and remain focused on solutions that improve their lives,” she said.

Sanon-Jules Olivo began her public service with AmeriCorps and spent more than seven years as a teacher and youth director.

She founded The SEO Group and serves on the Miami-Dade Community Action Agency Board. In 2022, she became the first Haitian American woman to win the Democratic nomination for a congressional seat in Miami-Dade County.

Three others are running in SD 34 to succeed Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is vacating his seat to seek a seat in Congress: state Rep. Ashley Gantt, former Miami Gardens Council Member Shannan Ighodaro and Republican Elizabeth Jeanty.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election Nov. 3.