Democrat Tina Paul To Face Shlomo Danzinger - Surfside Mayoral Runoff on April 7

Surfside Vice Mayor Tina Paul , a Democrat with a long record of collaborative public service and community-centered initiatives, earned a spot on the April 7 mayoral runoff ballot after garnering 36.27% of the vote in the town's March 17 Municipal Election. She will face Shlomo Danzinger in the contest.

First elected as a Surfside Commissioner in 2016, Vice Mayor Paul has established an impressive track record of support for responsible development, sustainable infrastructure, consumer protection, and defense of human rights. Her platform stresses public safety, fiscal responsibility, local economic development, smart growth, and accessible, transparent, inclusive leadership. She has earned the endorsement of Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava and of the Equality Florida Action PAC.

Surfside voters have until March 26 to request a Vote By Mail ballot . No early voting is scheduled. Those who wish to vote in person may do so from 7:00 am-7:00 pm on April 7 at the Surfside Council Chambers, 9293 Harding Avenue.

Here is the sample ballot

If successful in her runoff campaign, Vice Mayor Paul will be joined on the dais by fellow Democrats Gerardo Vildostegui and newcomer Andrea Travani, who won reelection and election, respectively, as Commissioners on March 17. Their election, as well as Vice Mayor Paul's spot on the runoff ballot, was secured in conjunction with an 50.83% voter turnout rate, highly impressive for a municipal election not scheduled concurrently with a General Election. That situation will change in 2028, when Surfside voters will elect municipal officials at the same time as statewide and national officeholders.

We would like to thank Democrats William Blumenkranz and Jocelyn Kinzer for also running in the 2026 Surfside elections.

About the Surfside candidates

Tina Paul

Tina Paul is the Vice Mayor of Surfside and a seasoned elected official with nearly a decade of service to the community, having first won a seat on the Town Commission in 2016 and gone on to serve two terms before returning to continue her leadership. Over the course of her tenure, she has built a reputation for steady, collaborative governance focused on bringing people together, moving stalled infrastructure projects forward, and keeping the Town's commitment to the Champlain South memorial at the forefront of local priorities.

Paul has consistently championed public safety, fiscal responsibility, and transparent governance, while advocating for thoughtful, measured growth that respects zoning regulations, neighborhood character, and residents' quality of life. She has also been a strong voice for community resilience, supporting efforts to address flooding and the long-term challenges posed by sea level rise, and has worked to strengthen civic engagement across Surfside's diverse population.

At the heart of her leadership is a dedication to the people and families who make Surfside the community it is, from seniors and young families to local small business owners. She offers a commitment to preserving the Town's close-knit spirit as it plans responsibly for its future. With her depth of experience and collaborative approach, Paul continues to be a stabilizing and accountable voice on the Commission.

About the Surfside elected officials

Gerardo Vildostegui