What Miami’s Mayoral Election Says About 2026

Odd-year elections are not always reliable predictors of future events. But in Miami, where voters have increasingly moved right, progressive Democrat Eileen Higgins’ victory Tuesday over a Trump-endorsed rival is the latest warning sign for Republicans that, especially in communities with heavy immigrant populations, voters are frustrated with the GOP’s approach. And their frustration is leading to action.

There are three main takeaways: The electorate is engaged and evolving, especially among Democrats and independent voters; assumptions Republicans made after the 2024 elections about a lasting Trump coalition have been shattered; and crossover voters will embrace a progressive Democrat with the right message.