Laureano Cancio, a Coral Gables labor attorney, is running for the city's Mayor, Group I seat in the November general election. The race is nonpartisan. Cancio faces two opponents: Jackson Holmes and Vince C. Lago, according to BallotReady election data.

Cancio has called for a city government built on respect for residents, business owners and fellow public servants, according to the Coral Gables Gazette.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Coral Gables Mayor, Group I, according to the Miami-Dade County official sample ballot
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Party: Nonpartisan
  • Residence: Coral Gables (26 years)
  • Profession: Labor attorney, Law Office of Laureano Cancio
  • Education: Cancio said he holds a juris doctor from Brooklyn Law School and a master of business administration in marketing from Manhattan University. He also holds a bachelor of arts in Spanish literature from Wayne State University, according to his candidate statement filed with the city.

Experience and public service

Cancio listed the following experience on his candidate statement filed with the city of Coral Gables:

  • President, Hispanic Business & Professional Association of Bergen County
  • Member, board of trustees, Ramapo College of New Jersey
  • Human resources director (private sector)
  • Positions at Wise/Old London Foods, Columbia University, New York Botanical Garden, the New York Department of Labor and the Wayne County Department of Social Services

He ran for Coral Gables city commissioner in the Group 2 race in April 2025, according to Florida Politics. He has lived in Coral Gables for 26 years, according to the same report.

On the issues

Cancio outlined the following positions on development, arts funding and education during his April 2025 commission campaign, according to Florida Politics.

Development: Cancio said he wants to slow development in Coral Gables.

Arts funding: Cancio said he intends to increase arts funding in the city.

Education: Cancio proposed establishing a city-run school system separate from Miami-Dade County's school district. He said the goal is to ensure sufficient school options for resident children.

City governance: Cancio called for a government defined by "stability, fairness and mutual respect," according to the Coral Gables Gazette. He said every resident, business owner and fellow public servant needs to be treated with respect.

Coral Gables voters will decide the Mayor, Group I race at the polls.