With almost 40 years advocating for South Florida, Levine Cava transitioned from county commissioner to mayor in 2020, winning re-election in 2024 to continue steering Miami-Dade's growth. She has spearheaded construction of over 9,000 affordable and workforce housing units since taking office, with 12,000 additional units advancing through the PROSPER Initiative on underused county properties. Her agenda emphasizes economic expansion—adding 120,000 jobs amid a 3.2% unemployment rate—via STRIVE305 permitting reforms aiding 75,000 small businesses, alongside transit upgrades like South Dade Bus Rapid Transit serving 10,000 daily riders and Miami International Airport enhancements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In her 2026 State of the County address at Florida Memorial University, she declared the county 'strong' and urged unity in its diverse communities while tackling challenges like sea-level rise resilience.