In a surprising political twist, Donald Trump is grappling with significant setbacks in Florida, where several influential Republicans have publicly declared their support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
This shift comes at a critical juncture for Trump, particularly following a disastrous performance at a Univision Town Hall last week.
In an effort to reclaim lost ground, Trump is hastily planning a rally in the Sunshine State.
The latest developments reveal that three prominent Florida Republicans—Bob Milligan, Jim Smith, and Max Stepanovich—have chosen to endorse Harris, condemning Trump’s leadership style.
Milligan, a retired lieutenant general and former comptroller, stated that he has encountered various leaders throughout his career, asserting that Trump’s character is fundamentally flawed.
He emphasized the necessity of electing Harris to restore integrity to leadership.
Stepping into the fray, Stepanovich, who has a long history within the GOP, labeled Trump as unprincipled and the opposite of conservative values.
He described the former president as a “blustering, name-calling bully” who prioritizes personal interests over the nation’s welfare.
The trio’s endorsements were announced alongside their new roles as co-chairs of the Florida Republicans for Harris Advisory Committee, joining a growing coalition of over 100 former national security officials and numerous campaign staffers from previous Republican administrations.
As the political landscape shifts, recent voting data indicates a notable trend: Democrats are currently leading in mail-in ballots in Florida.
With 485,510 votes cast by Democrats compared to 419,973 from Republicans, it appears that Democrats are gaining traction.
Non-party affiliated voters accounted for 235,996 ballots, further complicating the picture for Trump and the GOP.
Polling data suggests that Harris is also making inroads among independent voters in Florida.
A recent Marist poll shows her leading Trump by a substantial margin of 14 points within this demographic.
This support is crucial, especially considering that Harris’s lead among independents surpasses that of President Joe Biden during the 2020 election cycle.
The enthusiasm surrounding Harris’s campaign was palpable during a recent event in Gainesville, where turnout exceeded expectations.
Additionally, the energy was evident in Escambia County, a region traditionally aligned with Republican values, where supporters rallied behind Harris and her vice presidential pick, Tim Walz.
In response to this momentum, the Harris campaign is deploying surrogates to energize voters.
Doug Emhoff, the Second Gentleman, is set to host a rally in Broward County to encourage early voting.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis is also lending his support, focusing on mobilizing LGBTQ+ voters in South Florida.
Meanwhile, Trump seems to be aware of the shifting tides.
He has canceled multiple events, including one in Georgia, and is now rushing to Florida to address Latino voters after facing backlash from his previous comments at the Univision Town Hall.
His upcoming roundtable discussion with Latino leaders in Doral is a clear attempt to mend fences and regain lost support.
However, the atmosphere in Florida is charged with discontent, particularly among the Haitian American community.
Accusations from Trump and other politicians regarding Haitian immigrants have sparked outrage.
With over 600,000 Haitian Americans in Florida, their collective voice could significantly impact the upcoming election.
Despite the mounting pressure, Trump remains defiant, refusing to retract his controversial statements regarding Haitian immigrants.
His dismissive attitude only fuels the resolve of immigrant communities and independents who are increasingly distancing themselves from his rhetoric.
As the election approaches, the urgency for pro-democracy advocates to mobilize is more critical than ever.
Voter turnout will be paramount, and encouraging friends and family to participate in the electoral process is essential.
The stakes are high, and every vote counts in this pivotal moment in Florida’s political landscape.
