Coral Gables City Commissioner Melissa Castro is seeking a second term in the Group 4 seat.

The nonpartisan race marks Coral Gables' first November municipal election, according to Florida Politics. Castro faces Nestor Menendez, who resigned from the city's Planning and Zoning Board to run.

Candidate information

Office sought: Coral Gables City Council, Group 4

Party: Nonpartisan

Election date: Nov. 3, 2026

Residence: Coral Gables

Family: Mother of two

Education: Bachelor's degree in psychology with a specialization in applied behavior analysis, Florida International University; master's degree in industrial-organizational psychology, Florida International University

Experience and public service

Castro has served as Coral Gables city commissioner since April 2023, according to the city's website. She also owns M.E.D. Expeditors, a permit-expediting business, according to the city's website.

The City of Coral Gables announced that Castro was appointed chair of the Florida League of Cities Development, Code Compliance and Redevelopment Committee. The appointment covers 2026 and 2027, according to the city.

The Florida League of Cities separately recognized Castro as a 2026 Home Rule Hero for her advocacy during the legislative session, according to the city's announcement. The city described Castro as a Coral Gables resident committed to preserving the city's character.

Ethics investigation

The Florida Commission on Ethics found probable cause in January 2026 that Castro had a conflicting contractual relationship between M.E.D. Expeditors, her private permit-expediting business, and her duties as city commissioner, the Miami Herald reported.

The investigation is ongoing. No final determination has been made, according to the Herald. The case is set to go before a judge in an administrative hearing.

Castro has denied any wrongdoing related to the ethics investigation. She told the Miami Herald she believes she will eventually be cleared.

On the issues

No issue positions were available from the candidate for this profile.

Opponent

Nestor Menendez, also nonpartisan, is the other candidate in the Group 4 race, according to BallotReady election data. Menendez resigned from the city's Planning and Zoning Board to enter the contest, according to Florida Politics.