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By Jasmine Laws and Toby Meyjes
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Republican-backed candidates won in elections in New Mexico and Florida with large majorities bucking a trend of Democrats making gains in votes during President Donald Trump's second term, according to preliminary results.
In West Miami municipal elections, Eric Diaz-Padron secured 70 percent of the vote to Yolanda Aguilar's 29 percent in the race to be mayor, while sitting commissioners Gustavo "Gus" Ceballos and Juan Blanes and now commissioner-elect Victoria de la Torre all won by similar margins.
During the 2024 presidential election, Trump won the city by 64.1 percent of the vote, compared to Kamala Harris' 34.1 percent.
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In New Mexico, Paul Wymer is on track to win the race to be the next mayor of Rio Rancho, according to unofficial election results. Wymer, a registered Republican according to the Santa Fe New Mexican, has 63 percent of the vote to Alexandria Piland's 37 percent in a runoff election.
During the 2024 election in the city, Trump had a slim majority of 51 percent to Harris' 49 percent.
Why It Matters
Local elections are often formally nonpartisan, but they can be a useful testing ground for how broader political messaging lands with the public, as well as voter sentiment in regard to national conversations.
The results in both West Miami and Rio Rancho stand out because they contrast with recent contests elsewhere in the country where Democratic‑backed candidates have flipped or narrowed margins in school board and city races since Trump returned to office.
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What To Know
The Republican Party of Florida reacted to Diaz-Padron's victory, writing on Facebook: "Congratulations Eric Diaz-Padron on your strong re-election as Mayor of West Miami! Proud of the continued conservative leadership delivering results for the community."
It posted similar messages of congratulations for the aforementioned victorious candidates in the state, describing them as Republican victories.
Diaz-Padron has widely received the support of Republican groups. His key policies include lowering property taxes, improving public safety and investing in infrastructure, which conservative groups have been in favor of.
The conservative news outlet Patriot Fetch also said that the West Miami mayor's victory "showcases a significant shift in local political dynamics, particularly in a traditionally nonpartisan election."
"This result indicates that the Republican presence is growing stronger in the area and hints at wider implications for the political landscape in Florida," the platform added, highlighting how these elections are often pulled into wider conversations about the nation's voter sentiment.
In New Mexico, Wymer has reportedly been endorsed by the Republican Party of New Mexico, the Republican Party of Sandoval County, and the outgoing mayor, Gregg Hull.
At the end of last year, Hull said: “Paul Wymer has been a key partner in shaping Rio Rancho’s progress, and he’s well prepared to guide the city forward. I’m proud to endorse him for Mayor of Rio Rancho.”
What Happens Next
These results are preliminary and not yet officially announced, and have yet to be formally certified.
Update 4/15/26, 10:53 a.m. ET: This article has been updated to indicate some of the victorious candidates are Republican-backed.
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