Republicans Overperform In Key Florida, New Mexico Elections.,
Republicans held key local seats in recent elections in Florida and New Mexico, posting decisive victories that run counter to broader narratives of Democratic gains during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to preliminary results.
In the city of West Miami, Eric Diaz-Padron won the mayoral race with 70% of the vote, defeating Yolanda Aguilar, who received 29%. Incumbent commissioners Gustavo Ceballos and Juan Blanes, along with commissioner-elect Victoria de la Torre, also won by wide margins. In the 2024 presidential election, Trump carried West Miami with 64.1% of the vote, compared to 34.1% for Kamala Harris.
Wymer, who identifies as a Republican, appears on track to become the city’s next mayor, Newsweek reported. During the 2024 election in Rio Rancho, Trump won a narrow majority with 51% of the vote, compared to 49% for Harris. Local elections are often officially nonpartisan, but they can serve as a barometer for how broader political messaging resonates with voters and how national issues are shaping local sentiment.
🚨 WOW. Republicans just scored a +23 POINT OVERPERFORMANCE in the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico mayor's race
Republican Paul Wymer WINS 63%-37%
Donald Trump won this city by 3 points.
The left is melting down! pic.twitter.com/5Bsq3ZyvIi
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) April 15, 2026
Republican Party Celebrates Local Victories
The Republican Party of Florida responded to Diaz-Padron’s victory, noted 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.” 🚨 WOW. Republicans just scored a +23 POINT OVERPERFORMANCE in the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico mayor’s raceRepublican Paul Wymer WINS 63%-37%Donald Trump won this city by 3 points.The left is melting down! pic.twitter.com/5Bsq3ZyvIi His platform includes lowering property taxes, strengthening public safety, and investing in infrastructure-priorities that have aligned with positions commonly supported by conservative organizations.
The conservative-leaning 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 outlet added, further noting that such elections are often highlighted nationally to showcase changing voter sentiment.
“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,” Hull said late last year.
Trump’s Approval Ratings Show Mixed Results
Nationally, Trump’s approval rating among women has been steadily improving since the Iran war began. A poll released last week and conducted by The Economist and YouGov shows that Trump’s approval rating among women has increased over the past two months. Recent surveys indicate that Trump is facing record or near-record low approval ratings among key demographic groups, including men and independent voters.
This trend could create additional challenges for the White House, especially amid public concerns about the rising cost of living in the U.S. and the ongoing war with Iran. Multiple tracking polls show the president significantly underwater, however, when it comes to national approval. According to the survey, Trump’s approval rating among women stands at 35 percent, with a disapproval rating of 57 percent. Overall, the president’s approval rating is 38 percent, compared to a 55 percent disapproval rating.
The poll was conducted from April 3 to April 6, surveying 1,750 U.S. adults, and has a margin of error of 3.2 percent.