Full Breakdown
Eileen Higgins' Victory Signals Decline of Trump-Endorsed Candidates in Major Cities
12/11/2025, 1:52:11 AM
Shift in Political Landscape in Miami
Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, has won the Miami mayoral race, marking the first time in 28 years that a Democrat has held the position. Higgins defeated Emilio Gonzalez, a Republican candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, with approximately 60% of the vote. This election result is part of a broader trend indicating significant shifts in voter sentiment, particularly among Latino communities, against Trump and his endorsed candidates.
Declining Republican Presence in Major Cities
According to CNN's chief data analyst, Harry Enten, the number of Republican mayors in the 50 largest U.S. cities has decreased dramatically from 14 in 2017 to just seven following Higgins' victory. Enten described Trump as "absolute kryptonite" for Republican candidates in urban areas, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining electoral support. The recent mayoral and gubernatorial elections in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia further illustrate this trend, with Trump-endorsed candidates suffering significant defeats.
Latino Voter Shift
Enten emphasized the notable decline in Trump's approval ratings among Latino voters, a crucial demographic in Miami. In February, Trump's approval rating among Latinos was at -2 percentage points, but it has since plummeted to -38 points. This represents a 36-point shift in voter sentiment, which Enten attributes to Trump's hardline immigration policies and mass deportation efforts. The Miami race exemplifies this shift, as Latino voters increasingly express dissatisfaction with Trump's administration.
Implications for the Republican Party
The electoral outcomes in Miami and other urban areas signal a troubling trend for the Republican Party as it approaches the critical 2026 elections. With the party's representation in major cities dwindling, Republicans may face significant challenges in maintaining their influence in local governance. Enten's analysis suggests that the party's struggles are indicative of a larger, ongoing backlash against Trump, which could have lasting implications for its electoral prospects.
Official Statements & Responses
Harry Enten remarked on the implications of Higgins' victory, stating, "Donald Trump has been absolute kryptonite to Republicans who want to run major cities in the United States." He noted that the results reflect a broader trend of Democrats outperforming their previous electoral baselines, particularly in heavily Hispanic neighborhoods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Donald Trump has been absolute kryptonite to Republicans who want to run major cities in the United States.” — Harry Enten, CNN Chief Data Analyst
- “That is a shift of 36 points in the wrong direction, the completely wrong direction, for Donald Trump,” — Harry Enten, CNN Chief Data Analyst
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the sources agree on the significant electoral shift in Miami and the decline of Republican mayors, there is no detailed analysis of how these trends may affect specific Republican strategies moving forward. Additionally, the exact reasons behind the shift among Latino voters remain somewhat generalized, lacking specific data on local issues that may have influenced their voting behavior.
