As the kids would say, the Democratic National Committee has entered the chat. The DNC just announced it is putting resources in Miami to help former County Commissioner Eileen Higgins. That may sound impressive, but it’s not about strategy — it’s about panic.
As the Miami Herald reported, DNC chair Ken Martin said, “Between now and Election Day, the DNC is all-in to elect Eileen Higgins and ensure Miami families have a champion who is fighting for them, not Donald Trump.”
The announcement came days after President Donald Trump endorsed former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez, a Republican, in the race. While the race is officially nonpartisan, political consultants and endorsements have made political party an issue.
It’s unusual to see a national political committee jump into a local municipal election such as a race for mayor, let alone a runoff election. But this kind of intervention — while odd — shows just how high the stakes are for the Democrats. Florida Republicans have recently enjoyed notable wins across the Sunshine State, and in the last presidential election, Trump flipped Miami-Dade County red for the first time since 1988. While Trump narrowly lost the city of Miami to former Vice President Kamala Harris by about 1,000 votes, that narrow margin makes the mayor’s race even more competitive.
The DNC will be hosting virtual phone banks in both English and Spanish, as well as activating its national volunteer base to help get out the vote for Higgins. But, with early voting running from Dec. 5 through Dec. 7 and the runoff election on Dec. 9, the timing seems a little last minute. Which makes me wonder — would the DNC have gotten involved if Trump didn’t endorse Gonzalez? I doubt it.
Higgins supporters will point to her first place finish in the general election earlier this month as an indication that she’ll coast to victory — she received nearly 36% of the vote, while Gonzalez received 19%. But that doesn’t necessarily signal an easy runoff win for Higgins. And here’s the tell: If the DNC believed the runoff was locked up, they wouldn’t be spending money in the Magic City. Democrats must be worried about turnout, which is a realistic concern. Turning out voters in December for a runoff is unpredictable and difficult. Everyone’s already in holiday mode. Will they actually cast ballots in this race? Both candidates will be concentrating on turning out their base.
As former Florida Gators Coach Billy Napier used to say, “Scared money don’t make money.” And the DNC is spending scared.
They also have more to lose in the runoff than the Republicans. Florida — especially Miami-Dade — has shifted to the right. If Higgins loses, it will move Miami into solidly Republican territory, making 2026 even more of an uphill battle for Democrats.
Democrats seem to be betting that spending national resources on this race will create another electoral rebuke of Trump after Republicans lost several high-profile races on Nov. 4. A loss for Democrats in this race could solidify Miami-Dade’s shift to the right, making future DNC investment a tough sell for donors.
Also in Republicans’ favor: Miami has been led by a Republican mayor since 2009, and residents have seen the city grow into a global city and epicenter for investment and innovation. Why change leadership to a Democrat?
That’s one reason it makes sense that the DNC is spending money in this Miami race. Democrats are fighting for relevance. They’re trying to keep the party from becoming politically extinct in Florida.
In the end, the biggest factor will be voter turnout, and judging by the DNC’s arrival in Miami, they’re worried about it. And honestly, I don’t blame them.
Mary Anna Mancuso is a member of the Miami Herald Editorial Board. Her email: mmancuso@miamiherald.com