Florida’s political landscape is undergoing a seismic shift as Hispanic voters in Miami-Dade County increasingly align with the Republican Party, challenging long-held Democratic strongholds.
At a Glance
- Hispanic voters in Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade County, are increasingly supporting Republican candidates
- Governor Ron DeSantis’ 2022 victory marked the first Republican gubernatorial win in Miami-Dade County in 20 years
- Cuban Americans play a significant role in this shift, with 68% of likely Cuban American voters in Florida supporting former President Donald Trump
- Economic issues, including inflation and affordable housing, are driving factors in this political realignment
- Republicans now outnumber Democrats by over one million registered voters in Florida
A Red Wave in the Sunshine State
The political landscape of Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade County, is experiencing a dramatic transformation as Hispanic voters increasingly throw their support behind Republican candidates. This shift has turned what was once a Democratic stronghold into contested territory, with significant implications for future elections.
The 2022 gubernatorial race in Florida marked a pivotal moment in this ongoing realignment. Governor Ron DeSantis achieved a historic victory, becoming the first Republican gubernatorial candidate in two decades to win Miami-Dade County. This win underscored the growing appeal of Republican policies among Hispanic voters in the region.
Cuban American Influence
At the heart of this political shift are Cuban American voters, who have traditionally played a significant role in South Florida’s political dynamics. Recent polls indicate a surge in support for Republican candidates among this demographic, with 68% of likely Cuban American voters in Florida backing former President Donald Trump.
“Most of the Cuban Americans in the United States live in Florida, and most of the Cuban Americans in Florida reside in the South Florida region,” researchers from the Florida International University noted in a recent study.
This concentration of Cuban American voters in South Florida, particularly in Miami-Dade County, has amplified their impact on the state’s political landscape. The trend shows that 54% of Cuban Americans in Florida are registered Republicans, with older, Cuba-born individuals tending to be more conservative in their political leanings.
Economic Concerns Drive Political Shift
The increasing Republican support among Hispanic voters in Florida appears to be driven largely by economic concerns. Key issues such as inflation, jobs, and affordable housing are at the forefront of voters’ minds. Many Hispanic voters express dissatisfaction with President Biden’s handling of these economic challenges, contributing to the shift towards Republican candidates.
The political realignment in Florida extends beyond Miami-Dade County, by the way.
Governor Ron DeSantis highlighted the dramatic shift in voter registration across the state, stating, “Six years ago, registered Democrats outnumbered registered Republicans by almost 300,000 – and Florida had never had more registered Republicans than Democrats in its history. Now, Republicans outnumber Democrats by 1 million voters, which is a sea change that few thought possible.”
This statewide trend is reflected in voting patterns, with early voting data showing more Republicans voting in person, while more Democrats opt for mail-in ballots. As of the latest data, over 1.9 million Floridians have voted early in person, with similar numbers voting by mail.
As Florida’s political landscape continues to evolve, the increasing Republican support among Hispanic voters, particularly in crucial areas like Miami-Dade County, may have far-reaching implications for future elections in this key swing state.
Florida is definitely no longer a swing state. Those days are long gone.
