Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago is making a plea to conservative lawmakers, suggesting that “the best way to win red is to go green.”
In an op-ed for the Washington Post, the Republican mayor shared that Republicans across the country can strengthen their electoral success by embracing environmental reforms.
In the op-ed, Mayor Lago writes, “Republicans flipped Miami-Dade County in the 2024 election, with Donald Trump winning more than 55 percent of the vote and sealing Florida's status as a bright-red state.” The mayor further noted that for the first time in history, Republicans out-registered Democrats in the once-blue county.
He attributes part of this success to the GOP’s environmental policies.
According to Mayor Lago, Florida conservatives have prioritized water quality, land conservation, Everglades restoration, and climate resistance.
“Instead of treating the environment and climate change as backbench issues, Florida’s conservatives have for years made environmental action a top priority. And that has been a significant factor in our electoral success,” the mayor argues.
Coral Gables itself has become a hub for clean energy by hosting the largest municipal electric vehicle fleet in Florida, as well as the largest EV charging network, waived solar permit fees, and mandatory LEED certification for new large-scale buildings.
Mayor Lago, who drives an electric vehicle and has powered his home with solar for a decade, said these reforms came “without the slightest electoral cost to Republicans.”
He also pointed to GOP leaders, from Governor Ron DeSantis (R) to Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R), as officials who back pro-market environmental initiatives.
“Here in Florida, people want smaller government and pristine nature. We want low taxes and investments in clean energy,” he wrote.
The op-ed, however, has been met with criticism from Florida Republicans.
Florida GOP Chair Evan Power (R) discounted the push for more environmental efforts, writing on social media, “yeah, there are a lot of reasons Miami Dade went red, this isn’t on the first page.”
Florida GOP also responded to the article on social media, sharing, “the Florida GOP flipped Miami Dade County by taking the lead on the issues that mattered to voters-law and order, parental rights, and economic growth. We continue to rack up wins that matters to voters due to the leadership of President Trump and Governor DeSantis.”
