Mike Hernández Runs for Pembroke Pines City Commission District 4

Candidate highlights experience and plans for city's future leadership transition

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Mike Hernández, a Pembroke Pines resident and senior executive in Miami-Dade County government, is running for the city's Commission District 4. Hernández has experience in public administration and communications, and is advocating for a smooth transition as long-serving City Manager Charlie Dodge eventually departs. Hernández supports a national search for Dodge's successor and says he will push for details on the transition plan.

Why it matters

Pembroke Pines is the second most populous city in Broward County, and the eventual departure of its long-serving City Manager will be a pivotal moment. Hernández's background in local government and his stated commitment to an open and competitive process for selecting the next city leader could shape the city's future direction.

The details

Hernández, 43, is running for the Pembroke Pines City Commission District 4 seat. He has a background in public administration, having worked in Miami-Dade County government and as an adjunct professor. Hernández says he will advocate for a national search to find the next city manager to replace the retiring Charlie Dodge, who has held the position for nearly four decades. Hernández also says he will push the current administration to provide details on the transition plan for Dodge's eventual departure.

  • Hernández is running for the Pembroke Pines City Commission District 4 seat in the 2026 election.
  • City Manager Charlie Dodge is nearing his fourth decade in the position.

The players

Mike Hernández

A Pembroke Pines resident and senior executive in Miami-Dade County government who is running for the city's Commission District 4 seat.

Charlie Dodge

The long-serving City Manager of Pembroke Pines, who has held the position for nearly four decades.

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What they’re saying

“I very much appreciate his five decades of service to the City of Pembroke Pines, including his 39 years as Manager. He was the visionary that led the effort to transform what was a small town into the second most-populous city in Broward County.”

— Mike Hernández, Candidate for Pembroke Pines City Commission District 4 (sun-sentinel.com)

“I am asking administration that the commission be provided details of that transition plan later this spring. I look forward to reviewing that with Mr. Dodge, his assistant city managers, and with my colleagues on the commission in a public setting in accordance with state Sunshine Law.”

— Mike Hernández, Candidate for Pembroke Pines City Commission District 4 (sun-sentinel.com)

What’s next

Hernández says he will push for details on the transition plan for City Manager Charlie Dodge's eventual departure, which he expects to be provided to the city commission later this spring.

The takeaway

Hernández's focus on a smooth leadership transition in Pembroke Pines highlights the importance of succession planning for long-serving municipal administrators, especially in fast-growing cities like Pembroke Pines.