BOCA RATON, Fla. (FNN) — Andy Thomson has won the race to become the next mayor of Boca Raton, marking a major political shift in the South Florida city. According to Democratic leaders, the victory represents the first time in more than 30 years that the mayoral seat has been held by a Democratic-aligned candidate.

National Democrats also highlighted the win as part of a broader trend in recent elections. Party officials say Democrats have either won or exceeded expectations in roughly 90% of key races since Donald Trump was elected president.

The victory follows another recent Democratic gain in South Florida, when Eileen Higgins won the mayoral race in Miami last year.

DNC ORGANIZING EFFORTS BACKED THOMSON CAMPAIGN

The Democratic National Committee supported Thomson’s campaign through Election Day with voter outreach and organizing efforts aimed at boosting turnout in Boca Raton.

According to party officials, the DNC launched an organizing blitz that recruited volunteers and supported get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operations. The effort included contacting thousands of voters across the city ahead of Election Day.

The DNC’s voter protection team also partnered with the Florida Democratic Party to assist the campaign with ballot-curing efforts during the final days of vote counting.

DNC CHAIR PRAISES VICTORY

Following the election, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, praised Thomson’s campaign and framed the result as a warning sign for Republicans in Florida.

“When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere — including here in Florida,” Martin said in a statement. “Mayor-elect Andy Thomson ran a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Boca Raton voters, from the rising cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump and his allies unleashed.”

Martin added that the outcome signals voter frustration with Republican policies in the state.

“This win is another warning sign to Florida Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is making communities like Boca Raton unaffordable,” he said.

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Miami Heat and the Carnival Foundation will recognize 15 Miami-Dade County students as recipients of the 2026 Carnival Scholarship Program during a special halftime ceremony Saturday at the Kaseya Center.

Now in its 24th consecutive year, the scholarship partnership between the HEAT and the philanthropic arm of Carnival Corporation provides four-year Florida Prepaid College Plan scholarships to graduating seniors from Miami-Dade County Public Schools.

Scholarship Program Impact

Through the collaboration, 15 students will receive four-year Florida College Plan scholarships, helping cover tuition costs at Florida public colleges and universities.

The scholarship recipients represent a diverse group of students, including former participants in the HEAT Academy after-school enrichment program, which supports at-risk youth. Many of the students now participate in an innovative workplace mentoring initiative sponsored by Carnival and the Miami HEAT in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

Each student will also receive a personal laptop computer, courtesy of the Carnival Foundation.

This year marks the 17th year the foundation has awarded fully prepaid college scholarships to high school seniors. Since the program began, 261 students have benefited, representing more than $5 million in scholarship awards.

Selection Process

Students were selected based on a combination of academic performance, leadership, community involvement and interviews conducted by representatives from the Miami HEAT, the Carnival Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami.

The scholarship program is designed to expand educational opportunities while connecting students with mentors and professional development resources that prepare them for future careers.

Event Details

The scholarship recognition will take place Saturday, March 14, during a Miami HEAT home game at the Kaseya Center in downtown Miami.

A reception will begin at 7 p.m. in Suite 240 A/B, followed by the on-court scholarship presentation during halftime, where the 15 student recipients will be recognized before fans.

Scheduled participants include:

• Alonzo Mourning, Vice President of Player Programs, Miami HEAT

• Michael McCullough, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Miami HEAT

• John Vidalin, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Corporate Sales, Miami HEAT

• Josh Weinstein, President and CEO, Carnival Corporation

• Linda Coll, Executive Director, Carnival Foundation

• Vicky Rey, Vice President of Government Affairs, Latin America, Carnival Cruise Line

• Gale Nelson, President and CEO, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami

Location:
Kaseya Center
601 Biscayne Blvd.
Miami, FL 33132