A union that represents the collective bargaining needs of Miami Beach’s law enforcement officers is getting behind Monica Matteo-Salinas’ campaign for the City Commission’s Group 1 seat.

The Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police confirmed its support of Matteo-Salinas, who worked for two City Commissioners — Alex Fernandez and outgoing Group 1 Commissioner Kristen Rosen Gonzalez — before running for the panel herself.

“Monica Matteo-Salinas has shown real respect for the men and women who protect our city and a clear understanding of the challenges they face,” Miami Beach Fraternal Order of Police President Bobby Hernandez said in a statement.

“She knows that keeping Miami Beach safe takes trust and teamwork between officers, residents, and City Hall. Monica brings the kind of practical leadership and integrity our city needs.”

The new police union nod joins others from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Fernandez, Miami Beach Commissioners Tanya Bhatt and Laura Dominguez, former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber and LGBTQ groups SAVE Action PAC and Equality Florida Action PAC.

Matteo-Salinas said in a statement that she is “truly honored” to have the union’s backing.

“Our officers put their lives on the line every day to protect this community,” she said. “I’ll always have their back and make sure they have the tools, training, and respect they need to do their jobs safely, while ensuring every neighborhood in Miami Beach remains safe and welcoming.”

Matteo-Salinas is competing against lawyer Monique Pardo Pope for the Group 1 seat in a Dec. 9 runoff after neither secured a large enough share of the vote in the Nov. 4 General Election to win outright.

Matteo-Salinas is a Democrat, while Pardo Pope is a Republican. Miami Beach elections are nonpartisan, though party politics frequently play into races.

Commission members are elected at-large, meaning Group 1 does not represent a specific geographical district and all Miami Beach voters have a say in all races on the ballot.

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