SURFSIDE, Fla. (VINnews) — Former Surfside Mayor Shlomo Danzinger, an Orthodox Jewish leader returning to office in one of South Florida’s most prominent Jewish communities, won a razor-thin runoff victory over Vice Mayor Tina Paul, reclaiming the mayor’s office by 22 votes.

Danzinger again replaces outgoing Mayor Charles Burkett, whom he swapped places with in 2022 and 2024.

Preliminary unofficial results showed Danzinger received 1,025 votes, or 50.54%, to Paul’s 1,003 votes, or 49.46%, with 2,028 votes cast in the mayoral race. Overall turnout reached 58.91%, with 2,030 ballots cast from 3,446 registered voters.

Danzinger’s victory marks a political comeback in the Miami-Dade beach town, where issues such as development, public safety and the future of the oceanfront community helped shape the race.

Surfside has remained in the spotlight far beyond local politics since the 2021 condominium collapse brought international attention to the tight-knit community. The tragedy continues to influence civic debates over redevelopment, resilience and public trust in local leadership.

The race also played out amid longstanding political tensions. Current Mayor Charles Burkett, who did not seek reelection and is widely seen as nearing political retirement, endorsed Paul.

Although Burkett was not running directly against Danzinger, he repeatedly campaigned against him, employing divisive and often hostile rhetoric throughout the race. Danzinger largely declined to respond in kind, instead staying focused on issues affecting residents and running a campaign centered on substance rather than personal attacks.

Supporters portrayed Danzinger’s victory as a vote for a steadier hand and a return to pragmatic leadership. While his previous tenure at times was marked by turbulence and political friction, Danzinger campaigned on bringing a calmer, more measured style to a second term, promising to govern with greater understanding and restraint.

The result returns Danzinger to the mayor’s office in a race that underscored divisions over Surfside’s future as the town continues balancing growth, security and remembrance.