Three candidates will compete to lead Palmetto Bay after Mayor Karyn Cunningham hits her term limit this fall, giving voters an open mayoral race alongside a packed November ballot.

David Singer, Tamara Mourino and Karen Baez-Wallis all qualified during the Aug. 3–14 filing period, according to the village's registered candidates page. A fourth contender, former Vice Mayor John DuBois, withdrew June 18 to challenge Miami-Dade County Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins for the District 8 seat instead.

The nonpartisan election is set for Tuesday, Nov. 3. If no candidate clears 50%, a runoff follows Dec. 1. The winner takes a four-year term.

Who's running

David Singer qualified Aug. 4. Singer previously served on the Palmetto Bay Village Council and lost his District 2 race to Steve Cody in 2020, according to WLRN reporting.

Tamara Mourino qualified Aug. 10. Her professional background could not be confirmed from public records or available reporting.

Karen Baez-Wallis qualified Aug. 11. A registered nurse with more than 30 years of healthcare experience, she previously served eight years on the Palmetto Bay Council, Community Newspapers reported.

What else is on the ballot

Palmetto Bay voters will also fill two council seats. Councilmember Patrick Fiore (Seat 1) and Councilmember Marsha Matson (Seat 3) are both term-limited. Seat 1 drew two candidates: Tana Llinas and Pam Gorman. Seat 3 has four: A.J. "Al" Lara, Lasaly Changkachith, Alan "AlJohn" Farquharson and Carl Crawford.

Beyond village races, the Nov. 3 ballot includes the U.S. House District 28 contest between Republican Rep. Carlos Gimenez and Democrat Phil Ehr, according to CBS News Miami. District 28 covers southern Miami-Dade County and Monroe County, including Palmetto Bay and Cutler Bay.

Key deadlines

  • Oct. 5 — Last day to register to vote
  • Oct. 22 by 5 p.m. — Deadline to request a vote-by-mail ballot (must be received, not just postmarked)
  • Nov. 3 by 7 p.m. — Mail ballots must arrive at the Supervisor of Elections

The village contracts with the Miami-Dade County Elections Department for ballot printing, equipment and vote tallying, according to the village's elections page.

Village Clerk Missy Arocha told Community Newspapers in July: "Please note that candidates are not qualified until the completion of the qualifying period which begins at noon on Monday, August 3, 2026, and ends at noon Friday, August 14, 2026." Residents can reach Arocha's office at 305-259-1234 or visit palmettobay-fl.gov for election details.