ICYMI: GOP Electoral Worries Shift to Miami’s Mayoral Runoff Arrow

Key Point: "The GOP is bracing for a possible loss in one of the state's remaining blue areas - but in an office Republicans have held for nearly 30 years… Even Gov. Ron DeSantis, who also endorsed González, called the results in Tennessee 'a big warning sign,' saying it showed Republicans may not enjoy the level of support they've had in the last few cycles, including in Florida."

Politico: GOP electoral worries shift to Miami's mayoral runoff

By Kimberly Leonard

• Republicans may not have to wait long for their next opportunity for soul-searching and midterm panic, thanks to next week's Miami mayoral runoff.

• The GOP is bracing for a possible loss in one of the state's remaining blue areas - but in an office Republicans have held for nearly 30 years…

• The contest in Miami is set for just one week after Republicans faced a close special election in a Tennessee House race that Trump previously won by 22 points.

• "It's a tough district," Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, said of what he called "Kamala district" Miami. "My expectation is, it probably doesn't perform for Republicans, but we have to do what we have to do, fight in every place."

• Having notched a single-digit loss in this week's Tennessee race, Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin says the party is pivoting to be "laser focused" on Miami. "The energy is on Democrats' side and the DNC is all-in support Eileen Higgins from now until Election Day," he said.

• Even Gov. Ron DeSantis, who also endorsed González, called the results in Tennessee "a big warning sign," saying it showed Republicans may not enjoy the level of support they've had in the last few cycles, including in Florida.

• "'26, I think, is going to be a little more challenging for Republicans," DeSantis said, adding: "If I was advising someone who was running, I'd say, 'You cannot bank on 2022 levels of Republican support.'"

• The Florida Democratic Party is hoping a win can reinvigorate Democrats in the once-swing state. Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said on a phone banking call Tuesday that a win would "not only bring so much energy back to the state of Florida, but show what is possible when we have great candidates" and volunteers.

• Martin also accused González of supporting Trump's "toxic agenda," pointing to his past work on the Trump transition team and as a founder of Veterans for Trump.

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