Here are five takeaways from the 2025 Coral Gables election:
1. Voter Engagement Showed Diverging Trends Across Precincts
Voter turnout in 2025 demonstrated mixed results, with some precincts experiencing significant increases while others saw sharp declines. Precincts like 604 (American Legion Post No. 98) and 608 (The Country Club of Coral Gables) saw notable gains, possibly driven by increased political engagement and incumbent support, while Precinct 611 (Coral Gables Senior High School) saw a sharp drop, highlighting shifts in voter enthusiasm that could influence future elections.
2. Incumbents Capitalized on Campaign Spending
Vince Lago and Rhonda Anderson, both incumbents, used their significant campaign war chests to maintain control. Lago spent $377,562, slightly more than in 2021, while Anderson’s spending of $44,189 in 2025 marked a decrease compared to 2021. Despite this, both incumbents secured decisive victories, illustrating the continued power of financial resources in local politics.
3. Anti-Incumbent Momentum Failed to Gain Ground
Despite strong challenges from Kirk Menendez for mayor and Felix Pardo for Commission, Group II, the anti-incumbent wave had little impact in 2025. Menendez, despite his strong candidacy and $38,891 in campaign spending, garnered just 37.7% of the vote, while Pardo’s challenge was similarly muted with 37.29% support. This demonstrates the enduring strength of incumbency in Coral Gables, where entrenched political networks and well-funded campaigns helped secure victory.
4. Precinct-Level Shifts Revealed Changing Political Dynamics
Turnout shifts were evident in several precincts, underscoring a growing division in voter engagement. Precinct 604 saw a +2.06% increase, reflecting potential support for Lago, while Precinct 611 experienced a significant -11.69% decline. These changes indicate how localized issues and candidate presence can influence voter behavior and participation, especially in a diverse electorate.
5. Money and Influence Reign in Coral Gables Politics
The 2025 election reinforced the critical role of money in local campaigns, at least in this election cycle. Lago and Anderson’s financial dominance shaped their wins, highlighting the advantage of having a well-funded campaign machine. However, despite the incumbents’ spending, the increasing voter disillusionment in key precincts suggests that future elections may see more competition from grassroots campaigns or outsider candidates who can channel public frustration into political power.
