Alexander Penelas (born December 18, 1961) is an American attorney who is the former mayor of Miami-Dade County, Florida.

Penelas, an American of Cuban descent,[1] attended St. Thomas University and graduated in 1981 with a degree in political science.

This was the first open Senate seat since 1980, it was being vacated by longtime incumbent and Dade County native Bob Graham.

"[6] In April 2019, Penelas announced his campaign for re-election to the office of Miami-Dade County Mayor, a position he previously occupied for eight years.

Penelas initially led in most polls but finished in third in the first round behind Daniella Levine Cava and Esteban Bovo.