American politician (born 1948)
Geraldine "Jeri" Muoio (born February 14, 1948[1]) is an American politician who served as Mayor of West Palm Beach, Florida from 2011 to 2019.[2][3][4]
Muoio is a resident of Old Northwood in West Palm Beach.[2] She holds a doctorate in academic administration from Syracuse University and a master's degree from SUNY Oswego.
She served as the city commissioner of West Palm Beach before her election as Mayor of West Palm Beach in March 2011.[2] She has been described as the "hand-picked successor" of outgoing Mayor Lois Frankel, who left office due to term limits after two consecutive terms.[2]
Muoio won 51.2% of the vote in the 2011 West Palm Beach mayoral election held on March 8, 2011.[2][5] Most political observers had predicted that the crowded, four-way mayoral race would result in a runoff election.[2][5] However, Muoio won the election with a majority, avoiding a runoff.[2][5] She defeated three opponents - Molly Douglas, a West Palm Beach city commissioner; Paula Ryan, a housing consultant; and Charles Bantel, an electrician.[2] Muoio received 4,761 votes, or 51.2%; Paula Ryan placed second with 23.3%; Molly Douglas was third with 21.3%; and Charles Bantel came in fourth place with 4.2% of the vote.[5]
Muoio was inaugurated into office at 3:32 p.m. on March 31, 2011.[3]
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