Florida’s Political Landscape: Key Municipal Elections and Emerging Candidates Ahead of 2026 Midterms

Florida’s Municipal Elections Heat Up Amid National Political Landscape

As the nation’s gaze shifts toward the 2026 Midterms, Florida is gearing up for significant municipal elections on November 4, 2025. With an ongoing government shutdown and the early months of the Donald Trump administration looming over the political landscape, local races are taking center stage, particularly in Miami and Orlando.

Miami’s Mayoral Race: A Battle for the Future

Miami is entering one of its most unpredictable mayoral cycles in years. With current Mayor Francis Suarez term-limited, the field is wide open, setting the stage for a fierce competition. Eileen Higgins, a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, is emerging as a front-runner. An August poll from MDW shows her with 36% support, significantly ahead of Emilio González, who trails at 15%. However, neither candidate is expected to secure the necessary majority, indicating a likely runoff in December.

Higgins is banking on her strong name recognition and favorable ratings, focusing her campaign on continuity in transit, affordable housing, and neighborhood services. Meanwhile, González, a former City Manager, has garnered endorsements from prominent Republicans, including Governor Ron DeSantis. The race also features Xavier Suarez, the former mayor and father of the outgoing executive, and Joe Carollo, adding layers of complexity to an already crowded field.

The backdrop to this electoral drama is a contentious procedural battle. In June, Miami’s Commission voted to postpone elections to 2026, aligning them with even-year contests. However, a court ruling deemed this unconstitutional, ensuring the November 2025 vote will proceed as planned.

Orlando’s City Council Elections: A Crucial Turning Point

Orlando is not to be overlooked, with its own set of consequential elections. The city’s 2025 General Election will fill three City Council seats in Districts 1, 3, and 5.

In District 1, incumbent Jim Gray leads a competitive field that includes former state lawmaker Tom Keen and others. The spotlight is primarily on Gray and Keen, both of whom are vying for a pivotal role in shaping Orlando’s future.

District 3 is particularly noteworthy as incumbent Robert Stuart retires after two decades, opening the door for a scramble among five candidates. Roger Chapin, an executive at Mears Transportation, is currently leading in fundraising efforts.

In District 5, incumbent Shan Rose is ahead in fundraising against challenger Regina Hill, who was previously removed from her seat due to allegations of misconduct. A third candidate, Lawanna Gelzer, has injected new energy into the race with a self-funded $25,000 launch.

A Statewide Perspective: Winners and Losers

As the municipal elections approach, the political landscape is rife with winners and losers.

Winners include former Congressman David Jolly, who has raised over $2 million for his 2026 gubernatorial campaign, signaling a serious challenge to the Republican stronghold in Florida. Meanwhile, Jim Boyd has been unanimously chosen by the Senate Republican Caucus to succeed Ben Albritton, positioning him as a powerful figure in Florida politics.

Conversely, Jay Collins finds himself in a precarious position, polling at just 4% in the GOP Primary, while Cory Mills faces a restraining order amid personal controversies, raising questions about his viability as a candidate.

Conclusion: A Political Landscape in Flux

As Election Day approaches, the stakes are high for candidates in Miami and Orlando. With the backdrop of national politics and local issues intertwining, Florida’s municipal elections could serve as a bellwether for the broader political climate heading into the 2026 Midterms. Voters will soon have the opportunity to shape their local governments, and the outcomes could reverberate far beyond state lines. Keep an eye on our comprehensive coverage as the elections draw near.