Politcs
Why Miami-Dade has gone from Democrat to Republican Trump fiefdom: how its vote changed in the last election
Miami-Dade County in Florida has elected a Republican president for the first time since 1988. Let’s explore the reasons behind this significant shift in leadership.
Donald Trump has emerged victorious in the recent presidential election, securing his position as the next president of the United States by defeating Kamala Harris in a contest that many predicted would be tightly contested. One of the most notable aspects of this election was Trump’s ability to gain significant support in traditionally Democratic-leaning areas, particularly in Miami-Dade County, Florida, which has historically favored Democratic candidates.
As the election results continue to roll in, comprehensive reports will soon emerge, offering insights into voter turnout and the preferences of various demographic groups. These reports will explore the underlying factors that influenced voters’ decisions. With those reports on the way, it is critical to take exit polling data with a grain of salt. Delving into more detailed analyses over the coming months will be crucial for forming a nuanced understanding of the election’s outcome.
This election marks a historical shift for Miami-Dade County. It is the first time since 1988 that the county has voted for a Republican presidential candidate, the last such instance occurring when George H.W. Bush was elected. The shift in voter behavior in this key county underscores broader trends seen in Florida and other states, which played a pivotal role in contributing to Trump’s overall success.
As of the latest counts, with over 99% of ballots tallied in Miami-Dade County, Trump received an impressive 605,236 votes, amounting to 55.4% of the total votes cast, while Harris garnered 479,732 votes, reflecting 43.9% of the tally. The only counties in Florida that remained loyal to Harris during the 2024 election included Gadsden, Leon, Alachua, Orange, Palm Beach, and Broward, highlighting a significant shift in voter allegiance in the state and indicating a broader realignment within the electorate.
The reason why Miami-Dade has gone from being Democratic to voting for Trump
The GOP has been active in promoting Miami-Dade’s shift to Trump.
Independent voters in the county leaned heavily Republican, including thousands of Hispanic voters who also leaned to the right, a trend seen nationwide. According to NBC News exit polls, Kamala Harris had a slight majority of support from Hispanic voters, obtaining 53%. However, Donald Trump experienced a significant 13-point increase in support compared to the 2020 election, garnering 43% of Hispanic votes in 2024.
Based on exit poll data, Hispanic men were among the key demographics that are thought to have propelled Trump to victory. Nationally, NBC News exit polls estimate that 54% of Latino men voted for Trump, while 44% supported Harris. Harris’s performance in Florida also fell short compared to Joe Biden’s results in previous elections, which may be linked to the increase in Trump’s votes from this demographic.
The decisions influencing Latino voters to support Trump appear to be related to their belief that the Republican candidate will improve the American economy during his second term in office. Like many U.S. citizens, Latinos consistently identified the economy, inflation, and the rising cost of living as their top concerns, alongside immigration, which is a central issue on the Republican agenda.