Former Miami-Dade County Mayor Alex Penelas on Tuesday endorsed Miami Lakes Councilwoman Marilyn Ruano in her bid for reelection on Nov. 3.
Ruano, a 43-year-old accountant, is being challenged by political newcomer Raymond Garcia for Seat 3.
Garcia has the backing of Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid.
Cid appointed Ruano to the town council in 2017.
Raymond, 48, is a health insurance manager and former member of the Miami Lakes Neighborhood Improvement Committee.
As moderator of an Oct. 13 debate for town council candidates at Miami-Dade College’s North Campus, Penelas disclosed that his political action committee, Bold Vision, had contributed to Ruano's campaign.
Garcia and candidates Tony Fernandez and Nayib Hassan, who are seeking Seat 1, did not object at that time to the campaign contribution.
According to the town's elections records, Bold Vision contributed $2,000 to Ruano's campaign. So far, she has raised a total of $39,240 to Garcia's $20,067.
"We are fortunate in @MiamiLakesNews to have excellent candidates for Town Council," Penelas, who lives in Miami Lakes with his family, said on Twitter. "However one stands out for her independence, transparency and experience. The Penelas family is proud to support Marilyn Ruano @TeamMarilyn2020."
As she campaigned Tuesday at the early voting polls at the Mary Collins Community Center, Ruano said, "He is concerned about the problems in Miami Lakes like other residents. I am happy to receive his endorsement. For a Miami Lakes resident, it's valuable to have his endorsement."
Penelas was returning the favor.
Ruano endorsed Penelas during his unsuccessful campaign for county mayor.
Penelas finished third in the August primary behind County Commissioners Esteban Bovo, Jr. and Daniella Levine Cava, who are in a runoff race on Election Day.
Penelas hasn't endorsed anyone in the county mayoral race.