Góngora attended the University of Miami School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor (cum laude).

Gongora was active in passing a stormwater master plan to resolve flooding in the City of Miami Beach.

[8] In 2013 he ran for mayor of Miami Beach but lost to Philip Levine, coming in second of four candidates running with nearly 40% of the vote following a recount.

[9] It was found that Levine had spent approximately $2 million to receive 5,639 votes in the most expensive election in the history of Miami Beach.

Prior to being elected to the Miami Beach Commission, Góngora held local elected and appointed leadership and governmental roles throughout Miami-Dade County, including: Góngora created the first Green Ad Hoc Committee (now referred to as the Sustainability Committee) for Miami Beach in 2007.

He also represented the City of Miami Beach at Florida Atlantic University in a program for elected officials to help implement and design projects in their municipalities.