(NewsNation) — Both political parties are looking to Miami‘s crowded mayoral race as a bellwether for Florida’s political inclinations.
The 13-way race is technically nonpartisan, but that hasn’t stopped elected officials from portraying it as a proving ground for their parties. The city, set to host President Donald Trump‘s future presidential library, is currently run by Republican Mayor Francis Suarez.
Democrats aim to prove they can still win big in Florida, a swing state that has become increasingly red in recent years, while Republicans want to cement their control over the Sunshine State.
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Tuesday’s election will likely head to a runoff in December. Of the 13 candidates, Democrat Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County commissioner, retained a scant lead in the latest polling.
“If Florida can show in the city of Miami race that Democrats can still perform and still win these elections, it should send shock waves across the country to continue to pay attention to Florida, continue to invest here,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told Politico.
Suarez, a term-limited Republican, has said in recent interviews that he believes it’s very likely a Democrat will win the race. He told NewsNation there has been a “tremendous shift” in the county, and pointed to the city’s “urban population,” which he said tends to skew Democratic.
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“Miami, as an ecosystem, is very accustomed to having a Republican mayor that has kept taxes low, kept people safe and leaned into American innovation … That’s the formula for success in Miami,” Suarez said.
He told NewsNation whoever gets elected, Democrat or Republican, will have to “abide by that formula if they want to get reelected.”
NewsNation will host special election coverage, “Decision Desk 2025,” on Election Day as millions cast their ballots for gubernatorial, state legislative and special elections taking place across the country.
