Dr. Steve Gallon III Secures Miami-Dade Commission District 1 Seat Without Opposition
Dr. Steve Gallon III, a longtime educator, public servant and former Miami-Dade County School Board member, has secured the Miami-Dade County Commission District 1 seat without opposition, marking a new chapter in a nearly four-decade career dedicated to education, leadership and community service.
Gallon, who has represented District 1 on the Miami-Dade County School Board since 2016, was elected to the County Commission after no opponents qualified for the race. He will assume office in January 2027, succeeding Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III and bringing with him a record of public service rooted in schools, neighborhoods and civic engagement.
For Gallon, the transition from School Board member to County Commissioner is a natural extension of the work he says has guided his career: improving the lives of families.
“My top priorities begin with housing and transportation because those are the two issues that affect families every single day,” Gallon said. “Too many working families, seniors, young professionals, and first-time homebuyers are being priced out of the communities they helped build.”
Gallon said his focus as commissioner will include expanding affordable and workforce housing, creating pathways to homeownership and ensuring that development benefits longtime residents.
“ I want to focus on economic development, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, public safety, and improving the overall quality of life,” he said. “My approach has always been about solving problems, bringing people together, and making government work better for the people it serves. That’s exactly how I intend to lead as County Commissioner.”
Gallon’s election to the County Commission follows a decade of service on the Miami-Dade County School Board, where he sponsored and advanced more than 100 agenda items.
During his tenure, District 1 moved from having the highest number of failing schools in 2016 to having no failing schools, with more than 75 percent of its schools now earning A or B grades. Gallon also helped secure voter approval of the 2018 and 2022 school district referendums, which generated more than $2 billion for teacher compensation and school safety initiatives.
Gallon said his experience in education has prepared him uniquely for county government because the issues affecting children in the classroom are often the same issues affecting families at home.
“Schools are really a reflection of our communities,” Gallon said. “Every issue that impacts a family eventually shows up in the classroom—whether it’s housing instability, transportation challenges, public safety, healthcare, or economic hardship.
As he prepares to take office, Gallon said his approach will be grounded in data, accountability and collaboration.
“As County Commissioner, I’ll bring a data-driven, results-oriented approach focused on accountability, collaboration, and delivering real improvements for residents,” he said. “Whether we’re talking about housing, transportation, economic opportunity, or public safety, my goal will always be to ensure that every decision helps strengthen families and creates communities where people can live, work, and thrive.”
With his unopposed election, Gallon enters the next phase of public service with a broad portfolio of experience in education, administration, community advocacy and governance. His move to the County Commission positions him to take on countywide challenges while continuing to represent the families and neighborhoods of District 1.
