Trump endorsed Gonzalez for mayor of Miami — I’ve been waiting for this moment | Opinion
In a little over two weeks, Miamians head back to the polls to vote in a runoff election between former County Commissioner Eileen Higgins and former City Manager Emilio González. While the mayoral election is technically nonpartisan, both candidates have received partisan endorsements — signaling just how much is at stake next month.
I’ve previously argued political endorsements don’t weigh as heavily as they used to, and I stand by that, but it was good to see President Donald Trump step in with his endorsement for González over the weekend.
It was the right move. Miami-Dade is Trump country, and the president’s endorsement in the city election sends a strong signal to Republican voters. Even with his numbers dropping — including with Latinos, according to one recent poll — the president’s approval carries clout, especially in Miami-Dade. It could help energize the base — and in this election, every vote counts.
In a Truth Social post on Sunday, Trump praised González saying, “As Miami’s next Mayor, he will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”
It’s a long list, but it captures some of González’s campaign focus — fiscal discipline, a pro-business climate and a commitment to keeping Miami open for business. For a city that has enjoyed economic momentum under current Mayor Frances Suarez, González is positioned to continue that trajectory.
González thanked Trump for the endorsement, posting on X, “Thank you President @realDonaldTrump for your endorsement. Miami’s future is on the line, and your support sends a powerful message that our city deserves strong, common-sense leadership.”
Trump’s endorsement brings the mayoral election into the national spotlight and tells Republicans exactly what’s at stake: the future of a city that has enjoyed conservative governance for eight years under Suarez.
The timing matters, too. The runoff election, on Dec. 9, comes on the heels of last week’s Republican electoral losses across the country. The GOP can’t afford to lose the mayor’s race in Miami — a seat controlled by Republicans since 2009. Losing would set the GOP back in Florida as they look ahead to 2026 and the Florida governor’s race.
This is where Trump’s endorsement can make the most difference: turnout. Higgins, who led in the general election with 36% of the vote, is counting on Democrats turning out again. Republicans, who trailed Democrats in turnout — about 30% of ballots cast — have to close the gap to win on Dec. 9. Trump’s endorsement could help bridge it.
Florida Democrats understand this. In a fundraising email on Monday, the Florida Democratic Party labeled González as “Trump’s handpicked MAGA candidate.” Their messaging was aimed to raise money and rally Democratic voters, but it also reveals something else: They’re worried that Trump’s endorsement may tip the race for González.
Off-year elections are notorious for low voter turnout, and runoffs are an even more challenging time to get voters to the polls. That works against both candidates. But Republicans tend to be super voters, and Trump’s endorsement will certainly help.
The president’s entrance into the race is a sign of how high the stakes are. The election on Dec. 9 will determine if Republicans keeping control of City Hall, or if Florida Democrats will make history by electing the first female mayor and changing the direction of the city.
In a race that will have a lasting impact on the direction of the city of Miami for years to come, Trump was right to join the chorus of other Republicans publicly endorsing González. And his endorsement may be exactly what González needs to win.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@miamiherald.com
This story was originally published November 18, 2025 at 11:13 AM.