Basabe Picks Up Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Beach Endorsements

State Rep. Fabián Basabe picked up two new endorsements this week from Bay Harbor Islands Vice Mayor Jordan Geller and Miami Beach drag performer Tiffany Fantasia as he seeks reelection to House District 106.

Geller, who represents the small island municipality between Miami Beach and Bal Harbour, cited Basabe’s work on local issues in his endorsement.

“Fabián has been a strong advocate for our community and has consistently fought for the issues that matter most to Bay Harbor Islands residents,” Geller said in a statement released by Basabe’s campaign.

Fantasia, who performs regularly at venues across Miami Beach, praised Basabe’s support for LGBTQ+ rights and entertainment industry workers.

“Representative Basabe has shown time and again that he stands with our community,” Fantasia said. “His commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ rights and supporting local performers makes him the clear choice for House District 106.”

The endorsements come as Basabe faces a competitive reelection battle in the district that includes Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, and parts of downtown Miami. The Republican incumbent has positioned himself as a moderate voice on social issues while maintaining conservative positions on fiscal matters.

Basabe’s campaign highlighted both endorsements as evidence of his broad coalition building across party lines and demographic groups. Geller is a Democrat, while Fantasia represents Miami Beach’s vibrant drag and entertainment scene.

“These endorsements reflect the diverse coalition we’ve built throughout House District 106,” Basabe said in the campaign statement. “From Bay Harbor Islands to Miami Beach, voters recognize that I’m fighting for all of our communities.”

The endorsements add to Basabe’s growing list of supporters as he works to defend his seat in what political observers expect to be a closely watched race. House District 106 has seen shifting demographics and voting patterns in recent election cycles, making it a potential swing district in state news and politics.

Geller’s backing could prove valuable in Bay Harbor Islands, where local government relationships often influence voter preferences in state races. The vice mayor’s endorsement signals Basabe has maintained support among local officials despite some controversial votes during his first term in Tallahassee.

Fantasia’s endorsement may help Basabe with LGBTQ+ voters and entertainment industry workers who have faced economic challenges in recent years. Miami Beach’s drag scene has become increasingly politically active as performers and venue owners navigate local regulations and state-level legislation affecting the industry.

Both endorsers emphasized Basabe’s accessibility and responsiveness to constituent concerns as key factors in their decisions.

“When Bay Harbor Islands needs something in Tallahassee, Fabián answers the phone,” Geller said.

Fantasia echoed that sentiment, noting Basabe’s attendance at community events and willingness to meet with entertainment industry representatives.

“He doesn’t just show up during election season,” Fantasia said. “He’s been there for us throughout his term in office.”

The endorsements come as filing deadlines approach for the 2024 legislative races. Basabe has not yet drawn a primary challenger, though several potential Democratic opponents have expressed interest in the seat.

House District 106 includes some of Miami-Dade County’s most affluent and politically engaged communities. Voter turnout typically runs high in the district, and residents closely follow both local and state political developments.

Basabe won his first term in 2022 by a narrow margin, making his reelection prospects a key focus for both parties’ strategic planning in South Florida races.