Miami’s GOP Mayor To Decide Soon On 2024 Presidential Run: Report

MIAMI, FL — Miami’s Republican mayor first teased a potential 2024 presidential run last summer when he commented that his city “should be a model for the rest of the country.” A political group tied to Francis Suarez also bought social media ads targeting key primary states.

Now, Suarez says that he’s “close” to making a decision about his next steps.

“I’m close to making the decision,” he told “Fox & Friends” on the Fox News Channel. “Aug. 20 is the first (GOP primary) debate. I think any candidate who wants to run for president needs to be on that stage.”

When asked about his relationship with Gov. Ron DeSantis, who’s also signaling a run for the presidency, Suarez said the governor “seems to struggle with relationships, generally.”

The mayor added, “I look people in the eye when I shake their hand.”

He also said he’s comfortable being “a retail politician,” pointing to his recent visits to New Hampshire, Iowa and Nevada, key primary states.

“I think you have to be able to connect with people,” Suarez said.

Comparing himself to former President Donald Trump, he said that he believes in “generational leadership” and that the country needs public officials who understand evolving technologies so the U.S. can stay competitive with other global markets, like China and the Middle East.