Florida primaries test Republican dominance in the state
Early voting has begun for next Tuesday’s elections, which will provide clues about Trump’s influence on the party and about the Hispanic electorate’s mood
Florida's primary elections serve as a test of the state's Republican dominance after decades as a swing state. Early voting has begun for the gubernatorial, Senate, and House races, along with other local contests. The state's shift to the right is partially attributed to a growing Hispanic electorate, particularly in South Florida, whose voting behavior remains uncertain.
Political science professor Aubrey Jewett of the University of Central Florida notes that while Florida has become a Republican state, Democrats may still be competitive in some primaries. The shift is mainly due to the substantial movement of the Hispanic vote toward the Republican Party. However, there are concerns that some Hispanic voters who supported President Trump might now be reconsidering their choice due to his anti-immigrant policies and mass arrests in immigration courts and workplaces.
The Republican primary for governor features Republican Ron DeSantis, finishing his second term, and Congressman Byron Donalds, who has received Trump's endorsement. On the Democratic side, former Republican congressman David Jolly is leading the pack after the withdrawal of Jerry Demings due to a cancer diagnosis. Despite Trump's endorsement, which has made Donalds the favorite, he enters these elections with low approval ratings.
The Democratic primary for the Senate seat vacated by Secretary of State Marco Rubio could provide a barometer of the party's direction. Democrats are choosing between state Rep. Angie Nixon, who advocates for progressive positions, and Alexander Vindman, who leans more towards the institutional side. The outcome of this primary could help understand the battle within the Democratic Party nationally.
Florida's primaries are closed, meaning voters must be registered with a party to vote, although there are nonpartisan contests. The state's new electoral map aims to dilute Democratic voters and favor Republicans, with Republicans holding 20 of the 28 seats in the House of Representatives. If Democrats manage to pick up three or four more seats, it could lead to a retake of control in the U.S. Congress.
Written by urgent.news from El Pais English's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
