Top Points:
Growing Conservative Alignment Among Miami-Dade’s Hispanic Voters: Miami-Dade’s Hispanic population, particularly Cuban, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Nicaraguan communities, increasingly support conservative values, driven by skepticism of progressive policies reminiscent of socialist regimes in their countries of origin.
Influence of Conservative Governance Under Ron DeSantis: Schlapp attributes Miami-Dade’s shift to conservative policies in Florida, highlighting Governor Ron DeSantis's focus on economic stability, individual freedoms, and public safety, which contrast with progressive approaches in other regions.
A Model for Nationwide Conservative Gains: Schlapp sees Miami-Dade’s political shift as a model for Republicans across the U.S., demonstrating how conservative values in public safety, taxes, and education can appeal to a diverse voter base and potentially transform other traditionally Democratic areas.
Full Report:
On a recent episode of Newsmax, conservative commentator and former White House advisor Mercedes Schlapp shared her insights on the shifting political landscape in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Once considered a reliable Democratic stronghold, Miami-Dade has undergone a transformation, leaning increasingly conservative and becoming a focal point for Republican gains in the state. Schlapp’s analysis highlights significant demographic and cultural shifts that have influenced the county’s recent political trends.
Miami-Dade, Florida's most populous county, has long been viewed as a Democratic base in statewide elections. Yet, recent voting patterns show that conservative values resonate strongly with Miami-Dade residents, leading the county to a more solid conservative alignment. Schlapp credits this change to several key factors, including dissatisfaction with progressive policies, the Democratic Party's drift leftward, and a surge in support for Republican policies among Hispanic voters, who make up a significant portion of the county’s population.
“The people of Miami-Dade are looking for leaders who prioritize economic stability, strong family values, and a safe community,” Schlapp explained on Newsmax (“Mercedes Schlapp Talks Miami-Dade Shift,” Newsmax, October 2024). “They’ve seen firsthand the impact of conservative governance in Florida, especially under Governor Ron DeSantis, and how his policies have protected individual freedoms and allowed the economy to thrive. This has created a stark contrast to the progressive approaches they see failing in other parts of the country.”
Schlapp also pointed to recent data showing Miami-Dade’s Hispanic community—comprising Cuban, Venezuelan, Colombian, and Nicaraguan immigrants—as increasingly aligned with conservative principles. Many in these communities have personal or family experiences with socialist or authoritarian governments in their countries of origin, and they are more skeptical of policies they perceive as veering toward socialism.
According to Schlapp, the 2024 election cycle will likely solidify Miami-Dade’s conservative trajectory. In the 2022 midterms, Republicans gained significant ground in the county, with many seats flipping red for the first time in decades. This shift, she noted, serves as a model for other traditionally blue counties across the nation, illustrating how a strong emphasis on public safety, lower taxes, and educational freedom can attract diverse voter bases.
“There’s no question that Miami-Dade is moving away from being a Democratic stronghold and becoming a cornerstone for conservative values in Florida,” Schlapp stated. “The Republican Party has shown that it’s committed to understanding the values and concerns of these communities, and that’s paying off.”
Schlapp’s commentary underscores the broader trend of shifting political loyalties among Hispanic and minority voters across the United States. As Miami-Dade becomes a model of conservative momentum, Schlapp believes the GOP will continue to prioritize this demographic, strengthening their presence in urban and suburban areas once thought to be securely Democratic.
References
"Mercedes Schlapp Talks Miami-Dade Shift." Newsmax, October 2024.
Smith, Adam. "How Hispanic Voters Are Shaping Miami-Dade’s Conservative Shift." Miami Herald, 2023.
“Miami-Dade Midterms: A New Republican Stronghold?” Florida Politics, 2022.
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