Candidate Profile: Rita M. Baez — 11th Judicial Circuit, Group 69

Office sought:

11th Judicial Circuit, Group 69

Election date:

Nov. 3, 2026

Campaign website:

RitaforJudge.com

Why are you seeking election to the 11th Judicial Circuit, Group 69?

After nearly 30 years practicing law in Miami-Dade County, I believe I can best serve my community from the bench.

I have represented individuals, families, and businesses during difficult times. Those experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the role of a judge — not only in deciding cases, but in ensuring people are heard, the law is applied fairly, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

I believe my experience, work ethic, judgment, and respect for the rule of law have prepared me for this responsibility and the opportunity to serve my lifelong community.

What professional and legal experience best prepares you for this position?

I have practiced law in Miami-Dade County since 1996, handling civil litigation, family law, bankruptcy, and commercial disputes. I have represented plaintiffs and defendants and have extensive courtroom experience, including jury trials, hearings, mediations, and contested proceedings.

As a longtime solo practitioner, I have also managed employees, clients, deadlines, and the responsibilities of running a business. That experience has taught me preparation, organization, accountability, and decisiveness.

What qualities do you believe are most important in a circuit court judge?

Integrity, independence, fairness, patience, preparation, and sound judgment.

A judge must know and follow the law, even when a decision may be difficult or unpopular. A judge must also listen carefully and consider the facts, evidence, and arguments presented.

People often come to court during stressful moments. A judge should be patient and respectful while maintaining control of the courtroom. Above all, people should have confidence that every case will be approached with an open mind and decided fairly and impartially.

How should judges balance efficiency, fairness and careful consideration of each case?

Efficiency and fairness should go hand in hand.

A judge should move cases forward, rule in a timely manner, and respect the time of litigants, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors. But efficiency should never mean rushing decisions or denying someone a meaningful opportunity to be heard.

Preparation allows a courtroom to operate efficiently without sacrificing careful consideration.

How would you help ensure that people appearing before the court are treated respectfully and impartially?

The judge sets the tone.

Every person entering a courtroom deserves dignity and respect, whether represented by a large firm, a solo attorney, or appearing without counsel.

Impartiality means deciding cases based on the facts, evidence, and law — not personalities, outside pressure, or personal preferences. Even when someone dislikes the outcome, they should know they were heard and treated fairly.

What do you believe are the greatest challenges facing Miami-Dade County’s court system?

One of the greatest challenges is managing a large caseload while ensuring meaningful access to justice.

Miami-Dade is a large and diverse community. People coming before the courts may face financial limitations, language barriers, demanding work schedules, or may be navigating the system without an attorney.

Judges must also avoid unnecessary delays. Technology and remote proceedings can improve accessibility and efficiency when used appropriately, but never at the expense of due process.

Behind every case number is a person who deserves to be heard.

What distinguishes you from the other candidate in this race?

What distinguishes my background is nearly 30 years of practicing law in Miami-Dade County, extensive courtroom experience, a broad civil practice, and experience representing both plaintiffs and defendants.

Running my own practice has also required discipline, independence, organization, and the ability to make difficult decisions and take responsibility for them.

That breadth of experience and perspective is what I would bring to the bench.

Anything else voters should know?

Miami-Dade County is my lifelong home.

I am the daughter of Cuban immigrants. My father was a physician in Cuba, served as part of Brigade 2506 during the Bay of Pigs, and later practiced medicine in Miami-Dade County. His example of hard work and service deeply influenced me.

I attended the University of Miami and St. Thomas University School of Law and have practiced here since 1996, including providing pro bono legal services.

I am grateful to the voters who advanced me to the November 3 runoff. If elected, I will bring nearly 30 years of experience and a commitment to follow the law, remain impartial, and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and respect.