On Thursday evening, Donald Trump Jr. made an appearance at Hialeah Park to show his support for Byron Donalds, the Republican candidate vying for the governorship of Florida. The rally conveyed an urgent message: polling numbers are tighter than the Republican Party would like, just five days ahead of the November 3rd elections.
The event, attended by over 100 supporters at the Hialeah Park Clubhouse, marked Donalds' second stop in the city as part of his statewide "Defending the Florida Dream Bus Tour," which includes 50 stops across 38 counties in Florida.
Mobilizing Voters: A Key Message
Trump Jr. emphasized the importance of voter turnout in his speech: "We have a tremendous opportunity to keep Florida the great state we all cherish, but we need people to get out and vote."
Byron Donalds, addressing his followers, declared, "In five days, we will win. We will keep Florida free. And we will keep Florida red. This entire campaign has been about defending the Florida dream. For so many who have chosen to live here, this is a dream."
Concerns Over Tight Polls
Blaise Ingoglia, the state's Finance Director seeking reelection, issued the night's most direct caution: "I'm sure everyone has seen the polls. These numbers are much closer than we'd like to see. It's unfortunate, but it's the reality."
A St. Pete Polls survey conducted from October 25 to 27 places Donalds just two points ahead of Democrat David Jolly, with 48% to 46%. Meanwhile, a University of North Florida poll earlier in the month showed a statistical tie, with Donalds at 49% and Jolly at 47%. The New York Times and Siena College poll gives Donalds a four-point lead, though Jolly leads among independent voters by 52% to 35%.
Impact of Trump’s Immigration Policies
The Cuban American community is experiencing heightened tension due to the Trump administration's immigration policies. According to the FIU Cuba Poll 2026, 76% of Cuban Americans in Miami-Dade oppose increased deportations of Cubans without legal status and no criminal record, and 87% support resuming the processing of immigration benefits.
Despite this discontent, 68% of Cuban Americans who expressed a preference said they will vote for Republican candidates on November 3rd, compared to 28% who will opt for Democrats.
Hialeah: A Strategic Choice
Choosing Hialeah as the venue was no accident. With 166,572 residents of Cuban descent—73.6% of its total population—it holds the highest concentration of Cubans in the United States, surpassing even Miami.
Donalds has backed vice-gubernatorial candidate Bryan Ávila from the outset of his campaign. Ávila, a state senator born in Hialeah and the son of Cuban exiles, represents the district encompassing the city.
The rally was also attended by federal senator Ashley Moody and Attorney General James Uthmeier.
Recent analyses suggest that Trump’s aggressive immigration stance could harm Republican support among Hispanics nationwide.
Important Voting Information
In Florida, early voting in Miami-Dade continues until November 1st, with centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; on Election Day, November 3rd, voters must go to their designated polling place during the same hours.
Key Questions About Florida's Gubernatorial Race
Why is the gubernatorial race in Florida so competitive?
The gubernatorial race is competitive due to close polling numbers and significant voter interest in issues like immigration, which affect diverse communities in Florida.
How might Trump's immigration policies impact the election?
Trump's immigration policies could potentially alienate Hispanic voters, particularly Cuban Americans, which may influence election outcomes in favor of Democrats.