All eyes are on Miami as both Democrats and Republicans closely watch the city’s highly competitive mayoral race, hoping to gauge the political climate in Florida. While the election itself is officially nonpartisan, the stakes are high for both parties, each eager to interpret the results as a sign of their standing in this pivotal swing state.

Miami, a city poised to house President Donald Trump’s future presidential library, is currently under the leadership of Republican Mayor Francis Suarez. Republicans are keen to solidify their influence in Florida, which has leaned more conservative in recent years. Conversely, Democrats see this election as an opportunity to demonstrate that they can still capture significant victories in the state.

With 13 candidates vying for the mayoral seat, the competition is fierce. Democrat Eileen Higgins, a Miami-Dade County commissioner, holds a narrow lead according to the most recent polls. However, with such a crowded field, the election on Tuesday is expected to move to a runoff in December, setting the stage for a prolonged political battle.

Tuesday’s election will likely head to a runoff in December. Of the 13 candidates, Democrat Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County commissioner, retained a scant lead in the latest polling.

“If Florida can show in the city of Miami race that Democrats can still perform and still win these elections, it should send shock waves across the country to continue to pay attention to Florida, continue to invest here,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried told Politico.

Suarez, a term-limited Republican, has said in recent interviews that he believes it’s very likely a Democrat will win the race. He told there has been a “tremendous shift” in the county, and pointed to the city’s “urban population,” which he said tends to skew Democratic.

“Miami, as an ecosystem, is very accustomed to having a Republican mayor that has kept taxes low, kept people safe and leaned into American innovation … That’s the formula for success in Miami,” Suarez said.

He told whoever gets elected, Democrat or Republican, will have to “abide by that formula if they want to get reelected.”

will host special election coverage, “Decision Desk 2025,” on Election Day as millions cast their ballots for gubernatorial, state legislative and special elections taking place across the country.