Fred Voccola, the influential vice chairman and former chief executive officer of Kaseya, a leading global IT management and cybersecurity software provider, is actively considering a run for mayor of Miami in the upcoming November 4, 2025 election. Voccola, who relocated Kaseya’s headquarters to Miami in 2015, has emerged as a potential contender driven by a deep-seated frustration with perceived corruption and the entrenchment of “career politicians” within the city’s administration. His potential entry into the political fray comes at a pivotal moment for Miami, a city increasingly recognized as a burgeoning tech hub.
Voccola, who stepped down as CEO of Kaseya at the beginning of 2025 to assume the role of vice chairman, has built a reputation as a formidable entrepreneur and a significant figure in the tech industry. Under his leadership, Kaseya experienced substantial growth, expanding from a single-product company to a global entity with over $1.5 billion in annual recurring revenue. His tenure also saw the company solidify its presence in Miami, establishing itself as one of South Florida’s largest tech employers and securing naming rights for the prominent Kaseya Center, home to the Miami Heat. Voccola’s vision for Miami extends beyond business; he envisions the city becoming “the first true AI-first city in the world,” emphasizing the need for forward-thinking leadership to capitalize on the city’s recent tech boom.
His strong sentiment regarding the integrity of public office was starkly articulated in a recent interview: “Ain’t nobody gonna bribe me.” This statement underscores his commitment to operating free from special interests and personal gain, a principle he aims to bring to the mayor’s office. Voccola indicated that his decision to consider a mayoral run was largely spurred by the Miami City Commission’s controversial vote in June to postpone the November 2025 election to 2026 without voter approval. Although courts have since blocked this move, the incident highlighted what Voccola perceives as a disregard for democratic processes and accountability.
“What would happen if Donald Trump or Joe Biden decided to delay an election for a year?” Voccola queried, reflecting his astonishment at the local political maneuverings. “Only in Miami.” He plans to run on a platform focused on non-partisan issues critical to Miami’s future, aiming to introduce a business-minded approach to governance. To support his potential campaign, Voccola has established a political committee, “Leadership for Miami’s Future,” to which he has already contributed $200,000.
The Miami mayoral election is particularly significant this year, as incumbent Mayor Francis Suarez is term-limited. The race has already attracted several notable figures, including former Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins, former City Commissioner Ken Russell, and Xavier Suarez, the father of the current mayor and a former mayor himself. Voccola, who identifies as a political outsider and a major Republican donor, acknowledges he lacks the name recognition of some established political figures. However, his substantial personal investment and his position as a prominent figure in Miami’s thriving technology sector could offer a distinct advantage.
Voccola’s background includes a history of co-founding and leading successful tech ventures, demonstrating an acumen for innovation, growth, and strategic acquisition. He has also been appointed to the Florida International University (FIU) Board of Trustees, further deepening his engagement with civic and educational leadership in Miami. This appointment places him alongside other influential figures shaping the city’s trajectory, potentially marking him as one of the emerging Trendmakers in Miami’s evolving landscape.
While Voccola has not definitively committed to running—candidate qualifying is set to begin soon—his active consideration signals a serious intent to challenge the status quo. His campaign, if launched, would likely focus on themes of technological advancement, fiscal responsibility, and a strong stance against corruption, aiming to resonate with voters seeking a fresh perspective. The business executive’s entry into local politics could inject new dynamics into the mayoral race, offering a stark contrast to traditional political candidates.
The election, currently scheduled for November 4, 2025, will determine who steps into the role of guiding Miami through its next phase of development. Voccola’s potential candidacy presents a compelling narrative of a business leader seeking to apply his expertise to public service, promising a governance model characterized by transparency and innovation, all while explicitly stating his incorruptibility. His approach could indeed set new trends for leadership within the city.
