MIAMI — The officially nonpartisan runoff race for Miami mayor has attracted national attention from the two major political parties in the final hours before voters head to the polls on Tuesday morning.
President Donald Trump has weighed in, endorsing ― along with other prominent Republicans ― former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez.
“Miami’s become the center of the political universe,” Miami-Dade County Republican Party Chair Kevin Cooper said. “We’ve got the (Trump) presidential library coming. We’ve got the World Cup coming. We’ve got the G20 coming.”
His opponent, County Commissioner Eileen Higgins has attracted support from prominent Democrats, who see the election as a referendum on Trump, whose approval ratings are flagging.
“This is going to be a test on President Trump’s economic agenda,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried said.
Candidate interviews: Miami mayoral candidate Emilio González wants to get rid of corruption, property taxes, Miami mayoral candidate Eileen Higgins wants to end ‘dysfunctional bureaucracy’
Former Chicago Mayor and White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel worked the phones for Higgins on Monday.
Gonzalez has campaigned with figures like U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Florida.
“Yes, it’s a bellwether election,” Cooper said. “Miami is a very important place to be.”
Despite the national attention, the candidates, speaking to Local 10 News, each highlighted local issues.
“City Hall is in chaos,” Higgins said. “Nothing gets done for the people. That’s what this campaign is all about. I’m going to bring my track record of results from the county.”
Gonzalez said, “I think we need to put a marker down and let our residents know that there’s a new day and that we’re not going to tolerate corruption.”
Polls open across Miami at 7 a.m. Tuesday and close at 7 p.m.
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