Nestor Menendez, an attorney and former member of the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board, is running for the City Commission Group 4 seat on Nov. 3.

Menendez, a first-time candidate for elected office according to the Coral Gables Gazette, said he decided to run because he wants to build a community for his daughters' generation and affect public policy directly, according to the Miami Herald. He faces Melissa Castro in the nonpartisan race, according to BallotReady election data.

Candidate information

Office sought: Coral Gables City Commission, Group 4

Party registration: Republican, per state voter records reported by Florida Politics. The race is nonpartisan.

Age: Menendez turned 50 on Jan. 26, according to Florida Politics.

Residence: Menendez describes himself as a longtime Coral Gables resident with multigenerational roots in the community, according to his campaign website.

Education: Juris doctor from the University of Miami School of Law. Bachelor of arts in political science and criminal justice from Florida International University.

Profession: Of counsel at DiFalco & Fernandez LLLP, according to the firm's website. He focuses on complex commercial litigation, business disputes and white-collar criminal matters. His practice areas include the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, anti-money laundering and internal investigations.

Languages: Fluent in Spanish, conversational in Portuguese and at an introductory level in Italian, according to the firm's website.

Experience and public service

Menendez resigned from the Coral Gables Planning and Zoning Board to run for the Group 4 seat, the Miami Herald reported. Commissioner Richard Lara appointed him to the Coral Gables Charter Review Committee, also according to the Herald.

He also served on the Coral Gables Transportation Advisory Board, according to Miami Community Newspapers.

Before joining DiFalco & Fernandez, Menendez clerked for U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Becerra in the Southern District of Florida, according to the firm's website. He is admitted to practice in Florida, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit and three federal district courts in Florida.

His volunteer work includes the University of Miami School of Law STREET Law Program, the Cane2Cane mentor program, Autism Speaks and the South Florida Autism Charter School, according to the firm's website.

On the issues

Civility and trust in government: Menendez identified division and the erosion of trust as the most pressing issue facing Coral Gables, according to a Miami Herald voter guide. "Trust must be earned at the dais, by members who debate respectfully, explain themselves honestly and treat neighbors as neighbors," Menendez said, according to the Herald.

Campaign platform: Menendez says his platform centers on restoring civility at City Hall, putting families and residents first and strengthening community values, according to his campaign website. He also emphasizes responsible growth, neighborhood safety and communication with residents.

Endorsements

Miami Community Newspapers endorsed Menendez, citing his involvement in the future of Coral Gables and his stated focus on moving the city forward, according to Miami Community Newspapers.

Fundraising

Menendez reported raising $30,500 in his first quarter as a candidate through 42 personal checks between Oct. 20 and Dec. 29, 2025. All donors listed Coral Gables addresses, according to Florida Politics.