Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Commissioner Craig Cates to the vacated Monroe County Commissioner District 1 seat in 2019, and he was elected to the seat in November 2020.
Cates, of Key West, served as Mayor for the City of Key West from 2009 until 2018. He was named “Mayor Emeritus” for his dedication to improving the quality of life for the citizens of the City of Key West. Prior to serving as mayor, he owned a Napa Auto Parts store for ten years. He was voted Key West’s best-elected official five years in a row and in 2014 was selected by Rural Leaders Magazine as one of Small Town Americas Top 100 Most Influential People. He is a fourth-generation resident of Key West.