Ken Griffin, a major donor to Republican politicians, is backing the re-election of Miami-Dade County’s Democratic mayor as the Citadel founder expands his political influence in his new home.
Griffin, who moved to Miami from Chicago two years ago, donated $500,000 to Daniella Levin Cava’s campaign in June, according to a statement. FilingCava, 68, was elected the county’s first female mayor in 2020, a nonpartisan position.
A spokesman for Mr. Griffin did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.So far this year, Mr. Cava’s political action committee has raised $1.6 million, with Mr. Griffin making up the largest individual donation.
Griffin, who has a net worth of $42 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, has donated more than $60 million to Republican candidates this election cycle. Since moving to Miami in 2022, he has vowed to get more involved in Florida politics, donating to other local politicians, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez.
In South Florida’s hierarchical government structure, county mayors have significantly more power than city mayors, including Suarez, a one-time Republican presidential candidate. Under attack Cava’s position is full-time due to an alleged conflict of interest stemming from a side job. In 2023, Griffin donated $1 million to Suarez’s local political action committee.
As mayor of Miami-Dade County, Cava oversees 34 cities, including Miami, with an annual budget of about $10 billion and about 30,000 employees.
Griffin has also donated to charities supported by Kava, including $5 million for parks and bike paths and $3 million to nonprofits that Kava’s administration also supports. Miami-Dade Innovation Authorityprovides grants to companies working to solve problems such as housing and climate change.
