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Three seats leave Republicans weak in Senate ahead of midterms

Lazaro Chavez
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Three seats leave Republicans weak in Senate ahead of midterms

On Sept. 2, Iowa senator Joni Ernst announced that she would not be seeking a third term in the US Senate, becoming the fourth republican not to seek reelection. With Ernst’s decision, Republicans are now left with four seats to fill to keep their 53 seat majority. 

This begs the question:Who can the GOP turn to for such a daunting task?

Aside from Ernst, Senators Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Thomas Tillis of North Carolina are set to retire at the end of their terms in 2027, while Tommy Tubberville of Alabama is seeking the governorship of his home state. 

In Iowa’s case, right behind Ernst’s announcement came Trump ally Congresswoman Ashley Hinson who entered the race to succeed her. While Ernst holds a very conservative voting record, Hinson is arguably more in line with the America first agenda,voting in favor of the big beautiful bill alongside the rest of the Iowa’s house delegation and defending the president’s decision to not meet with Democrats amid the shutdown. She was reelected to her house seat by 57% of the vote and bolstered a strong fundraising network. This Iowa opening underscores the urgency of recruiting viable GOP replacements — an issue mirrored in North Carolina.

North Carolina is where Republicans must come to bat. Former Governor Roy Cooper has already declared his candidacy for the senate. Cooper is a popular former Governor who was elected in 2016 and 2020, two years in which Trump was running for president. Despite North Carolina voting for Trump three times, Cooper was able to win the Governorship with narrow margins in  2016 and 2020. But Democrats won all three major statewide offices in 2024, with better margins. Governor Josh Stein won with 14-points over his controversial opponent Lt. Governor Mark Robinson.  

US Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa. // Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Currently Republicans, including Trump himself, are backing former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Whatley for North Carolina senator. Some tried to recruitLaura Trump, the president’s daughter-in-law, to run for both this seat and the seat left open by Marco Rubio in Florida when he became secretary of state. Like Iowa, North Carolina highlights how quickly a “safe” seat can shift under well-funded, high-profile campaigns — raising the stakes for Republicans.

While Alabama and Kentucky are less of a risk for the GOP, the former is important to look at. Democrats were able to flip the seat in a special election in 2017, when Doug Jones won in a narrow race against Roy Moore, a republican candidate with a basket of issues including sexual allegations. 

So it is possible to flip a southern seat as seen here and in Georgia with Jon Ossoff, who defeated incumbent senator David Perdue in a 2020 runoff and is up for reelection in the peach state this year. 

Many of the seats Democrats must flip are in the South, which are historically conservative and fairly resilient to Democratic advances. This gives Republicans an inherent structural advantage. Strengthening this is the appeal of Trump-aligned messaging in these states.

Republicans face a true test next year, with four seats completely up for grabs and strong opponents, their majority is at risk. But strong candidates like Ashley Hinson and Michael Whatley—aligned with Trump’s base—and the South’s conservative tilt create real defensive opportunities. 

Republicans, donors and activists must double down now—invest in messaging, candidate support and voter outreach to protect the Senate. The future of Trump’s agenda—and the conservative movement— could depend on defending these battlegrounds. 

Progressives to watch in 2026

Emil Salgado Vazquez
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Progressives to watch in 2026

Zohran Mamdani’s recent win in New York City’s mayoral race has sent a shockwave of progressive sentiment throughout the United States. His win proved that progressives can still beat establishment Democrats with the proper strategies and campaigns, and, most importantly, by getting out the vote from the people. 

Mamdani showed in the Democratic primary why it is still important for Democrats who are unhappy with the party to show up and vote the establishment out in the primaries. Even after the primaries, some establishment Democrats, like Andrew Cuomo, will still try to run as an independent to split the vote in the general election. Showing up to vote in the general election is crucial. 

As candidates gear up for the 2026 midterm elections, look out for these progressive candidates on the rise who will look to unseat their opponents by using Mamdani’s momentum.

Graham Platner: U.S. Senate race in Maine

Progressive Marine Corps veteran, Graham Platner, will be looking to run for governor of Maine. This will mean he will have to defeat Maine’s governor, Janet Mills, in the Democratic primary and unseat five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins. Mills, a moderate and longtime establishment Democrat, is viewed by many strategists as the best bet to unseat Collins. However, early polls suggest that Platner leads Mills among likely Democratic primary voters.

Platner is a political outsider and a populist, which will test Mamdani’s effect on the success of progressive in the midterm elections. Similar to Mamdani, who was the underdog against Cuomo in the Democratic primary, Platner is the underdog in the primary against the two-term governor. 

If Platner manages to defeat Mills in the Democratic primary, the Senate race shifts from a moderate vs. moderate standoff to a progressive vs. moderate race. Platner could mobilize progressive and young voters, receiving lots of support in a state that has experience voting for nontraditional candidates.

However, Platner also risks losing support from the main Democratic establishment if they deem him to be  “too far left.” If Platner wins the primary, it will continue to be an uphill battle for him no matter what. 

Platner already has a notable connection to Mamdani, with his campaign launch video being produced by Morris Katz, an advisor to Mamdani. The Mamdani campaign also led an uphill battle and won, so there’s still faith that Platner could become the Democratic nominee and go against Collins.

Abdul El-Sayed: U.S. Senate race in Michigan

The progressive activist Abdul El-Sayed will be looking to win out in a competitive Democratic primary in Michigan and defeat Republican Mike Rogers, who has Trump’s endorsement. El-Sayed will face a contested Senate race after incumbent Gary Peters announced that he will not run for reelection.

Unlike Platner and many other progressives seen as inexperienced or newbies, El-Sayed already has experience in politics. He previously ran for governor of Michigan in 2018, finishing second in the Democratic primary. After the race, he served as Wayne County’s director of the health department, gathering experience in the public health and administration sector.

Key rivals in the Democratic primary include Congresswoman Haley Stevens, the establishment favorite, and Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow, a rising star after going viral in 2022 over a passionate speech on the state senate floor. McMorrow is also progressive — though not as progressive as El-Sayed — which risks splitting the progressive vote in the primary.

Not only will El-Sayed’s run be interesting to see because of Mamdani’s effect on progressive politics, but also on the ability of Muslims to win representation in Congress, especially in a state like Michigan with around 250,000 Muslims. Ultimately, El-Sayed will have to unite the left-wing voter bloc in the primary if he hopes to win. If he does win, he will face Republican front-runner Mike Rogers.

However, unlike Platner, who might not get establishment support if he wins, El-Sayed would force the establishment’s support in the case he wins the primary. Since the seat was held by Democrat Gary Peters, this seat is one that strategists will identify as one to defend, no matter who the candidate is, forcing the establishment’s hand. If they do not back El-Sayed in the case that he wins, it will be seen as political suicide for the party.

Kat Abughazaleh: U.S. House race in Illinois

The 26-year-old Palestinian-American activist Kat Abughazaleh formally announced in March that she’s running for the open seat in Illinois’s 9th Congressional District in North-suburban Chicago. The seat is open after Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced her retirement.

Abughazaleh goes into the race with a brighter chance than Platner and El-Sayed, seeing as the 9th District includes Northwestern University and Loyola University. The district is the perfect place to test progressive politics in the public eye because university students tend to lean more progressive on average. She has already received a high-level endorsement from Congressman Ro Khanna.

Abughazaleh is already a frontrunner in the primary, tied for the lead with establishment candidate and current Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss. Though the Democratic primary is very contested, the 9th District’s status as a safe Democratic seat will ensure that whoever wins the primary will likely win the general election. This means that if Abughazaleh wins the primary, she will surely win the seat in the house, which is a major win for progressives.

In the case that Abughazaleh wins, it will continue the momentum of Mamdani’s win, showing that young, left-leaning candidates can win against older, established moderates in primaries.

The 2026 midterms are crucial for progressives

It’s still too early to determine anything for certain. Many more progressives are likely to appear in the near future as the midterm elections get closer, and many of them will be wanting to grab on to the momentum from Mamdani’s win. If any of them win, it’ll be proof that the progressive strategy can win elections.

Where to watch Miami vs. Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP

Zach Cohen
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Where to watch Miami vs. Texas A&M in the first round of the CFP

The Miami Hurricanes are gearing up to take on Texas A&M in their first ever College Football Playoff game.

This matchup featuring two historic programs is most certainly the hottest ticket in town.

Miami Athletics received more than 10,000 ticket requests for the 3,000 tickets A&M allotted for Hurricanes fans.

Over in College Station last Thursday, a presale for donors and season ticket holders sold out within a few hours, which meant the scheduled public sale the following day never took place.

Fans were forced to turn to SeatGeek, the official ticket marketplace of both Miami and Texas A&M Athletics.

As of Monday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m., the cheapest ticket on SeatGeek is a staggering $386. In comparison, the Oregon versus JMU game has a get-in price at $95.

If you can’t attend the game in person, no worries, the University of Miami Alumni Association has you covered, hosting watch parties all over the country.

Fans near College Station can head to nearby cities such as Houston, where Hurricanes fans will unite at Jake’s Sports Bar located at  2944 Chimney Rock Road, Houston, Texas 77056. If you are in Austin, Texas head over to Freddo ATX located at 2336 South Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas  78704. 

Other watch party locations include New York, NY where fans can enjoy some great burgers at Clinton Hall on E 36th Street where they were voted the 2018 Food Network Burger Bash Best Burger in NYC.

There will be seven different watch parties in the state of Florida including right in the heart of Downtown Miami at Lost Boy Dry Goods, an old school neighborhood bar.

In total, the Alumni Association will host fans in 25 locations nationwide including in Louisville, KY and Savannah, GA for what could be Miami’s biggest game yet.

Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. local time (noon ET) and the game will air on ESPN/ABC.

For more information please visit: https://www.alumni.miami.edu/events/signature-events/game-watches-events/index.html

Junior wide receiver Colbie Young catches a touchdown pass from fourth-year junior quarterback Tyler Van Dyke in the first quarter of Miami’s game versus Texas A&M at Hard Rock Stadium on Sept. 9, 2023. Photo credit: Jared Lennon

UM’s record-breaking sorority recruitment accompanied by rumors and scams

Madeline Darby
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UM’s record-breaking sorority recruitment accompanied by rumors and scams

This spring marks another record-breaking year for sorority recruitment at the University of Miami, with 1,250 potential new members (PNMs) registered — surpassing last year’s total of 1,076.

With that growth comes a familiar wave of anticipation and excitement alongside rumors, anxiety and, new to this year’s landscape, the potential for scams. 

Sorority recruitment, commonly referred to as “rush,” is a source of stress for many students hoping to receive a bid. Although UM states that “Everyone who is registered, determined to be academically eligible and who participates in the entire recruitment process is expected to receive a bid,” the reality is that a large number of women don’t. 

In previous years approximately 40% of registered students did not complete the process to receive a bid, according to UM. 

As registration numbers climb, so does concern that this percentage of women without bids could rise, fueling fears and driving the rumor mill. 

Much of that gossip spreads on Yik Yak, an anonymous, location-based social media app popular on college campuses. Every year during rush, the platform fills with Greek life discourse — rankings of the “top” houses, what fraternities each sorority mixes with, which houses are “not worth rushing” and sometimes hateful messages targeted at specific chapters. 

New this year, however, are posts about so-called “rush guides.”

Circulating on Snapchat and Instagram, these guides are allegedly “made by sisters” and carry titles like “Top Sororities Rush Guide” or “Dirty Rush 2026.” They are marketed as insider resources offering advice on how to stand out, what to do — and what not to do — during recruitment and how to secure an “early bid.”

To access these guides, PNMs are asked to pay between $10 and $15. It remains unclear if sorority members or individuals seeking to profit from anxious PNMs are behind these guides. 

In response, the UM Panhellenic Association issued a statement on Instagram, saying the guide was “published and sold without our permission, involvement or approval and it is not representative of Greek Life or the formal recruitment process.”

The Association further stated that the content is “inaccurate, misleading and falsely presented as coming from the University of Miami Panhellenic Association.”

Parker Osth, chair of the Association of Greek Letter Organizations, also weighed in, noting that the same guides exist for fraternities and often copy and paste the same information, much of which is false. 

“Those are 100% scams … These [guides] don’t actually represent the recruitment events that do happen … It has events that the University just doesn’t host,” said Osth. “Clearly this was made by someone outside of the process who just wanted to make some money, and who unfortunately has probably succeeded.”

Osth added that the Panhellenic Association already provides much of the recruitment information publicly, including a detailed PNM packet designed to prepare participants, which is why he was “shocked” that people would pay for such information. 

Although the guides may be false and misleading, they reflect a real level of tension and unease around recruitment, particularly rumors about “dirty rush” that surface before and during the process. 

While Positive Panhellenic Contact allows sorority members to engage in “friendly, values-based conversations with PNMs year-round to promote the positive sorority experience and encourage recruitment,” UM makes it clear that the policy strictly prohibits bid promising, seeking personal information or pressuring PNMs — particularly during formal recruitment’s “strict silence” period before bid day. 

Chapters that violate this policy may receive infractions, which are then “handled accordingly” following Panhellenic procedures. 

As work week and sorority recruitment approach, Yik Yak rumors and Greek life discussions are likely to surge. However, it’s important for PNMs to recognize that much of what spreads online does not accurately reflect the recruitment process, and the University has measures in place to ensure it remains fair, organized and strictly regulated.

Despite misleading guides and false information spreading online, students are encouraged to focus on the recruitment experience itself rather than getting caught up in rumors, gossip or outside pressures. 

“At the end of the day, [Greek life] is a club for making friends,” said Osth. “This is not about rankings. This is not about social status. This is not about what it might look like at other schools. This is about making friends that will hopefully last you a lifetime.”

Hurricanes WBB drops first ACC game, losing to NC State 87-61

Vivian Amoia
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Hurricanes WBB drops first ACC game, losing to NC State 87-61

On Sunday, the Miami Hurricanes (6-4, 0-1 ACC) took the court at the Watsco Center against the NC State Wolfpack (7-4, 1-0 ACC) for their first ACC matchup of the season. The Wolfpack however, were in control of this game from start to finish, beating the ‘Canes 87-61.

The first quarter started off with driving layups from center Ra Shaya Kyle and guard Amarachi Kimpson, but after posting four points, the Hurricanes couldn’t keep up on offense, going 2-of-10 from the field.

Despite three point efforts from Vittoria Blasigh bringing the game within 10 points, the Wolfpack maintained control of the game and finished the period 29-13.

The Hurricanes continued to struggle on offense, scoring just seven points in the second quarter. Two free throws and a three from Kimpson, and a jumper from Blasigh were the only points they could put up.

After Miami’s lowest scoring period of the season, the first half closed at 48-20 NC State.

The Wolfpack started off the second half strong with the first bucket of the third, which was quickly countered by back-to-back buckets in the paint from Miami putting the game 50-24. 

However, the Hurricanes fell off on offense once again, shooting 50% from the field, despite having their highest scoring period of the game with 19 points, led by Kyle on both ends.

Miami gave their final efforts in the last period, outscoring the Wolfpack 22-18. 

Although they gave it their all, falling short for three of the four periods, shooting just 36.5% from the field and getting out rebounded by NC State 49-31 led to the Canes’ defeat.

Miami will take on its next ACC opponent, Wake Forest, on the road on Thursday, Dec. 18, which can be streamed on ACCNX.

Lorelei DiSanto @loreleis_lens, Contributing Photographer// University of Miami Women’s Basketball huddles up mid game to discuss strategy against Hofstra University in the Watsco Center on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Miami Sets Program Record, Throttles ULM 104-79 for fourth straight win

Liam Hickey
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Miami Sets Program Record, Throttles ULM 104-79 for fourth straight win

It was a day of milestones for Miami Hurricanes Men’s basketball. 

The ’Canes (9-2) recorded a program-record 29 assists en route to a 104-79 demolition of the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks (3-9) for their fourth consecutive victory.

Individual performances spurred the team’s dominance on Saturday, with three starters registering double-double performances and six total players scoring double figures. 

Miami once again dominated physically, ousting ULM in the interior by a margin of 62-22 points in the paint. They also continued to impose their will off the glass, outrebounding their opponent 45-26.

The Hurricanes had the hot hand early, jumping out to a 9-0 lead in the opening three minutes. The Warhawks then battled from behind, ripping off seven points unanswered to even the score at 17-17. 

A triple by Tre Donaldson triggered a 13-0 run that allowed UM to seize control and storm to a comfortable 30-17 advantage. Tru Washington would drill a three-point buzzer beater to close out the half with a double-digit cushion, leading by 11 at the break. 

Miami and Louisiana-Monroe traded buckets back-and-forth in the first five minutes of the second half. ULM was efficient throughout the entire afternoon, shooting an impressive 47% from the perimeter to keep the ’Canes at bay.

Finally, supported behind a 10-0 run started by Donaldson, Miami slammed the door shut on the Warhawks by taking a 21-point lead, 75-54. 

UM head coach Jai Lucas talks to his team during a timeout versus BYU on Nov. 27 2025. Photo Credit: University of Miami Athletics

Timo Malovec was one of Miami’s bench players who exploded in the second half, going 4-4 beyond the arc and scoring all 12 points in the final 20 minutes. Noam Dovrat notched a career-high 10 points off the bench, and Washington added 13. 

The core trio of Malik Reneau, Tre Donalson, and Ernest Udeh carried the day, each posting a double-double. Reneau poured in a game-high 22 points along with 10 rebounds. Donaldson tallied 18 points and led the team with 11 assists, and Udeh was a force underneath the rim, grabbing 15 boards in addition to 14 points on 6-of-8 field goal shooting. 

It was another productive day at the office for Miami, who shot 60% from the floor. This mark matches their total percentage on the season, which currently ranks top 25 in the nation.

The Hurricanes have continued to blow out opponents all year, thumping the Warhawks by 25. Entering today’s matchup, UM’s wins had been by an average margin of victory of 20.3 points. 

Despite the successful result, head coach Jai Lucas was frustrated by the team’s defensive efforts. 

“We pride ourselves on being a defensive team, and tonight we were non-existent on the defensive end,” Lucas said. “You get a team that shoots the ball the way they did, it’s hard for any coach to be happy, even though you win by a large amount,” 

Miami returns to the hardwood on Tuesday night at the Watsco Center against FIU (5-3) in the Battle for the 305. Tip off is at 7 p.m. 

Photo Credit: Makena Wong, Photo Editor // Miami Hurricane basketball players talk following a time out against Jacksonville on Nov. 3, 2025 at the Watsco Center.

Miami Women’s Basketball poised for growth in ACC play

Harrison Steinberg
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Miami Women’s Basketball poised for growth in ACC play

Miami comes into ACC play in a very different place than a year ago.

In head coach Tricia Cullop’s first season, the ’Canes finished 14-15 overall and 4-14 in the ACC, landing 16th and missing the ACC tournament under the league’s “top 15 qualify” format. 

Miami is 6-3 so far, 4-1 at home, and 2-2 on neutral floors. Its three losses were to No. 19 Iowa, No.24 Oklahoma St., and No.17 Kentucky by margins of 3, 3, and 12 respectively. Those results are encouraging, showing Miami can compete with high-level teams already. 

The offense starts with a pick and roll pairing. 6-foot-6 Ra Shaya Kyle, who is already averaging 15.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, anchoring the paint, and the elusive Israeli guard Gal Raviv driving creation on the perimeter.

What will be different this season is the heavily rebuilt roster. Only two players return from last season’s team with seven transfers and five freshmen added for this season. These additions have significantly boosted Miami’s trajectory this year as the freshmen class was ranked No. 10 and also a top-15 ranked transfer class according to ESPNW. 

The question is whether Miami can string enough consistent defense and road competitiveness to stay out of the bottom three in an 18-team conference. 

Miami’s Women’s Basketball Team prepares for their matchup against Florida Atlantic University at Watsco on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. // Bella Ochoa – Staff Photographer

Miami’s ACC Schedule (times are listed as currently posted; always subject to TV updates):

Dec 14: vs NC State (2:00 PM)
Dec 18: at Wake Forest (6:00 PM)
Jan 1: at Virginia Tech (6:00 PM)
Jan 4: vs Clemson (2:00 PM)
Jan 8: vs Louisville (7:00 PM)
Jan 11: vs Florida State (2:00 PM)
Jan 15: at North Carolina (7:00 PM)
Jan 22: at Notre Dame (6:00 PM)
Jan 25: at SMU (4:00 PM)
Jan 29: vs Duke (8:00 PM)
Feb 1: vs Syracuse (2:00 PM)
Feb 5: at Virginia (7:00 PM)
Feb 8: at Florida State (2:00 PM)
Feb 15: at Boston College (12:00 PM)
Feb 19: vs Stanford (8:00 PM)
Feb 22: vs California (2:00 PM)
Feb 26: vs Pittsburgh (7:00 PM) — Senior Night
Mar 1: at Georgia Tech (2:00 PM)

Key Games:

Dec. 14 vs NC State

Miami jumps straight into ACC play against 6-4 NC State who already have a ranked win after beating No. 8 Tennessee 80-77. The first conference game for the ’Canes and a chance to bank a resume win against the Wolfpack. If Kyle can score efficiently, stay out of foul trouble and lock down Khamil Pierre, the Canes can control the paint. Both teams shoot under 30% from three point range so this game will come down to who can win the game in the paint. 

Jan. 11 vs Florida State

A huge rivalry game at home in the middle of a three-game homestand that can define the rest of Miami’s season. The Seminoles run the offense through point guard Sole Williams. Raviv will have to put in a defensive shift, while also controlling tempo through strong transition defense against the fast paced FSU. Miami can win this game by limiting turnovers, slowing down the pace through open shots and getting Kyle steady post touches.

Jan. 22 at Notre Dame

Miami will face the currently No. 19 ranked Irish. This will be in the middle of one of Miami’s three game road trips, which is exactly the kind of stretch that can make the standings shift. Even with a loss, a competitive showing against one of the ACC’s top dogs will matter heavily. Notre Dame is headlined by Hannah Hidalgo who is already averaging 25.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists, and 5.6 steals. Miami needs to keep this game in the half court to avoid silly turnovers coming from a Notre Dame team who is averaging 15.8 steals. They also need Notre Dame to guard Kyle and force defenders to collapse the paint so clean perimeter shots can come naturally. 

Jan 29. vs Duke

Duke is the defending ACC tournament champion and was preseason conference favorites, but have had a rough start to the year. The Blue Devils have already fallen out of the AP top 25 after starting the season No. 7. This is a chance for Miami to catch a strong team in a down window. Duke punishes sloppy spacing and rushed passes, and once they get multiple stops in a row, the pressure ramps up fast. Miami needs Kyle to get a lot of touches in the post and slow the game down. If Miami is within five points late, the Watsco crowd becomes a real weapon, but Miami has to earn that by defending for 40 minutes.

Feb. 19 vs. Stanford

This will be the first time Miami will host Stanford in ACC play and also the first game of their last homestand of the season. This game against a really tough Cardinal squad will decide the final momentum the ’Canes will have hopefully before an ACC tournament bid. Miami has to keep Stanford from controlling tempo with defensive boards from Nunu Agara and Lara Somfai who are averaging a combined 18 rebounds. Miami needs to make Stanford defend Kyle without constant double teams that led to rushed kick-outs and possible turnovers. If Miami can generate easy points in transition and win the game off the glass, this can be a season defining game. 

Miami has already shown enough in non-conference play to believe this team can be a serious factor in the ACC. The rebuilt roster gives Miami more talent and depth than last season already. The path to the ACC tournament is avoiding cold stretches that wrap up games late, playing consistent around-the-arc defense, and stealing some toss-up road games.

The urgency starts immediately as Miami opens conference play Sunday, Dec. 14 at the Watsco Center against NC state.

Photo Credit: @CanesWBB via X // UM Guard Amarachi Kimpson drives to the basket during Miami’s 64-48 loss to Kentucky on Dec. 3 2025.

Wake up call: Miami election results forces GOP to recalibrate

Lazaro Chavez
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Wake up call: Miami election results forces GOP to recalibrate

Just a few days ago, Democrats added another victory to their off-year election tallies: the City of Miami’s Mayor. 

The race was officially non-partisan, but Democrat Eileen Higgins took the win by nearly 60% against Republican challenger Emilio Gonzalez. This marks the first time a Democrat will hold the 305’s top job since 1993.

For Democrats, the win emboldens their push to win back control of congress and even make gubernatorial pick-ups in 2026. As for Republicans, the results of this race forces them to reconsider their strategy for 2026, and maybe even 2028, as the race for the White House will likely begin soon. 

The clock is ticking, and the GOP cannot be lazy. In order to maintain what they built in 2024 and continue to add to it, Republicans must do several things: address the party’s gapping youth void, bridge the gap between Donald Trump’s popularity and down-ballot voting and build up the next generation of leaders.

Youth Problem

It’s no secret that most young voters tend to lean democratic. Democrats hold a 27-point registration advantage over Republicans among voters ages 24 to 33. Republicans begin to edge ahead in registration among voters 43 and older.

Democrats have an advantage through effective organizing on college campuses, leaving the GOP to essentially view these groups as a lost cause. This is a ticking time bomb that they can’t afford to sit on much longer. The opportunity to make inroads with this group should be next year, despite young voters still leaning in favor of the DNC, they have a growing distaste for both parties according to NPR. 

Young voters care about one major issue that typically swings the pendulum in favor of  Republicans — the economy. 

In Miami, the cost of living is 21% higher than the national average according to Payscale. Higgins has campaigned on lowering that cost of living by trying to lower the operating budget of the city and giving that discount to residents through cutting taxes. 

Essentially, Higgins beat the Republicans at their own game. Although Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed to eliminate property taxes across the state earlier this year, this Miami Democrat successfully branded herself as a champion of the wallet. 

If the GOP cannot articulate its economic vision to young voters where they live and study, they will continue to lose them. They need to appeal to voters by slightly shifting towards the middle on key social issues such as gay marriage, abortion and immigration if they want to meet the voters where they are.

The Trump Factor

Another glaring problem during this election was voter turnout, specifically Republican turnout. This was not a Miami exclusive problem. Areas where Trump had made gains in the 2024 elections saw significant drops in the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey according to the Associated Press.  As previously stated, if Trump is not on the ballot Republicans seem to forget that elections happen. 

Gov. DeSantis made note of the GOP’s complacency in a Fox News interview shortly after the Tennessee congressional special election, which Republicans narrowly won in a typically safe district. 

“I think Republicans have an issue that Donald Trump has created a big pool of voters, but some of them are unique to him,” DeSantis told Fox and Friends. “They’ll vote for all the Republicans when Trump’s on the ballot. But if he’s not on the ballot, some of them don’t vote.”

Republicans need candidates who can drive turnout on their own merits. The contrast is stark when looking at DeSantis’s own 2022 performance. In that midterm, he carried Miami-Dade County by 11 points and won 58% of the Latino vote statewide. He achieved this because he offered a specific, bold brand of governance that excited the base independently of national winds.

White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles confirmed that President Trump is planning to be out on the campaign trail during the midterms. “I haven’t quite broken it to him yet, but he’s going to campaign like it’s 2024 again,” Wiles told The Mom VIEW.  

She also added that it is unusual for a President to be so involved but that they’ll be flipping tradition “on its head,” to try and maintain as many of the seats in congress as possible. 

Whether or not it could be effective remains to be seen given the President’s low approval rating, hovering anywhere from the mid-30s to low 40s. 

New Leadership

The party has another ticking time bomb on its hands, the man himself. President Trump will become the fourth out five living presidents who will be ineligible to seek a third term in office due to the 22nd amendment. Trump has already floated around two very big names as the party heir apartments: Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. 

While figures like Vance and DeSantis have the populist edge that much of the MAGA base is energized by, someone like Rubio has experience and middle of the road appeal that many voters could be looking for. 

Vance is already viewed by many in the party as the next President, and he polls well against most Democrats, including the favorite to get the nomination, Governor Gavin Newsom of California.

If Rubio wants the nomination, he would need to run on his experience, lean into his hispanic identity and evolve beyond the polished Senate style and tap into the raw, populist excitement that fills arenas. 

Just as 2024 served as a wake-up call for Democrats, 2025 must be one for Republicans. If the GOP can learn the right lessons, they can build momentum that will catapult them not just to a successful midterm defense in 2026, but to a defining era of conservative dominance in 2028. 

The alarm is ringing — it’s time to answer it.

Miami is IN! Immediate College Football Playoff Reactions + Notre Dame Fallout with Locked On Canes’ Alex Donno

Liam Hickey and Sebastian Font
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Miami is in the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history after weeks of being left in the dark by the CFP committee. Liam Hickey and Sebastian Font give their knee-jerk reactions to the playoff bracket, the ‘Canes having the most challenging path out of all 12 teams, the committee screwing up the rankings again, and Rueben Bain getting called out by an A&M offensive lineman. Locked On Canes and WQAM Miami Hurricanes Postgame host Alex Donno joins the show to give his take on the ongoing Notre Dame v ACC debacle and preview Miami v Texas A&M. 

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Five UM students launch Miami Venture Studio to bridge campus talent with companies

Katie Karlson
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Five UM students launch Miami Venture Studio to bridge campus talent with companies

Five UM students launched Miami Venture Studio, a startup company designed to connect students with company executives, leaders and investors.

The idea for MVS originated about nine months ago. Yusif Gurbanli, a fourth-year Ph.D. student studying mechanical engineering, and Jaron Mohammed, a junior also studying mechanical engineering, found themselves overwhelmed by companies asking them for help with coding and other tasks.

“At some point, you just can’t keep on saying yes to the companies. You can say yes like twice, but you just can’t do ten projects at the same time,” said Gurbanli. “But, you know other people who can do probably as good of a job as you could have done and you want to give them an opportunity.“

With a rough idea in mind, the pair joined forces with three students they knew from a mechanics lab and other classes. The other three founders are all juniors majoring in various disciplines, giving MVS leadership a diverse set of skills.

Sebastian Cervello is studying mechanical engineering, Audrish Chattaraj is studying business analytics and AI and Daniel Gregor is studying business administration and computer science with a minor in economics. 

The founders described MVS as a “bridge” between UM students and companies interested in hiring students for help, or investing in student ideas. 

Despite MVS only opening to students about three months ago, the initiative already has more than 100 student applicants. MVS has also already formed relationships with seed-stage companies to large enterprises mainly in the Miami and South Florida region.  

The networking process flows both ways. Students reach out to larger companies asking for investments or advice, and companies reach out looking for talented students or new investments. 

MVS is also tapping into UM’s alumni network to build relationships and spread the word about the initiative. 

While UM has similar programs to support entrepreneurs — like The Launch Pad and UStart — the MVS founders still felt that the startup scene in Miami is compartmentalized. MVS aims to unify these disconnected groups and create one community, much like Silicon Valley’s Y Combinator, where students, founders and investors can meet and exchange ideas. 

“Our primary focus is to connect the students to the local people that would need that help and stop the brain leakage out of Miami,” Gurbanli said. “A lot of talented students by junior year … already have offers from San Francisco from New York, and that kind of drains the talent out of the city.”

The next step? MVS wants to host weekly coffee chat events where everybody is treated as equals, whether student or CEO. 

“It’s more about everybody trying to get to know more people, learn what everybody else is doing, polish their own knowledge, add something,” Gurbanli said. “That’s when things truly take off, when there’s a symbiotic relationship in the community, when nobody’s trying to look for personal gain, but they add on to each other, so eventually you’re going to end up in a positive.”

While the founders are keeping MVS independent of UM at the moment, they are open to working more formally with the University in the future. 

MVS is more than a company matchmaking service. The founders see it as a community and an accessible way to break into the world of entrepreneurship.

Natalia Roth brings Puerto Rico to the world

Gabriel Mena
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Natalia Roth brings Puerto Rico to the world

DJ and vocalist Natalia Roth’s journey started on a Caribbean island where electronic music was still finding itself. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Roth grew up moving between cultures: Argentinian roots on her mother’s side, Cuban heritage on her father’s, and the island’s own rhythms.

Electronic parties weren’t exactly everywhere, but Roth found them early. 

“My mom had a lot to do with it,” Roth said. “I was really young, but she made sure I did it right.”

Puerto Rico’s rave ecosystem was small,medium promoters, a few big players, and long stretches without much happening. But those rare events created a kind of anticipation Roth still remembers. 

“You would prep everything, get ready early, wait for that one night,” Roth said. “It was special because not many people knew electronic music yet.” 

Then Hurricane Maria hit, and Roth left the island. The scene collapsed. Reggaetón and trap surged back to dominance, and the kind of spaces she discovered herself in seemed to disappear.

Still, Roth never disconnected. Her own event and label project, Melódie, launched back in 2017, started as Puerto Rican parties before evolving into both a platform and a creative anchor. 

Today she describes Melódie as “events and a record label,” something she pushes only when the timing and  intention feel right. 

“Throwing an event is a full-time job. I like to do things right.,” Roth said. 

With touring accelerating, her focus shifted toward personal growth as an artist. The events, she said, will always follow.

That artistic direction is exactly where Roth feels she is transforming. During our conversation, she spoke about a personal “awakening,” a shift she connects with real experiences rather than industry milestones. 

“A lot of artists say you have to go out there and live and it’s true,” Rold said..

 “Bad things are meant to happen for you to appreciate the good ones.” 

Roth describes herself as “a very in-my-feelings type of girl,” but what she means is closer to emotional architecture. 

Her music is becoming a translation of everything she’s lived, not just technical progression. She talks about metamorphosis, evolution, awareness and feeling things deeply. Standing after her opening set at Factory Town, what radiated wasn’t ego but conviction.

Roth wants to build on that transformation. This upcoming year, she says, is about creating without inhibition. 

Her focus: an album made of multiple genres that “represent me, but all collide and tell a story.” She has new releases lined up, new Melódie records being pressed and a clear mission: eventually play full sets made entirely of her own music.

For Roth, all the work she’s done has been leading to her dream.  Everything is building a sound that feels like her, shaped by where she’s been, what she’s lived through and what she’s ready to do next.

UM officials detail new construction projects and plans 

Martina Pantaleon
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UM officials detail new construction projects and plans 

In a roundtable discussion with The Hurricane on Dec. 3, the administration revealed that Gables Village is not the last step in UM’s Housing Facilities Strategic Plan. The plan includes a new dining hall, possible changes to Eaton and potential renovations to Whitten LC. 

Plans to demolish Mahoney-Pearson and replace it with the new residential complex, Gables Village, became public in November. Construction for Gables Village will begin Aug. 2026.

The project is projected to be completed by Aug. 2028. But closing Mahoney-Pearson will still result in a 206-bed net loss despite the imminent opening of the new Centennial towers. 

“When you are making progress as a University, there is a price we all have to pay. None of us have a Free Card,” said Richard Sobaram, associate vice president of student affairs and housing strategic initiatives. “Somebody paid a price before we got here, and now that we are here, we are doing our part for the future generation of students that are coming.”

For some, the price could be the feeling of “losing” on housing opportunities.

Lakeside used to be the most coveted housing for sophomores. Once completed, Gables Village will take over its role as sophomore housing. Lakeside will become housing primarily for juniors and seniors.

“The ‘winners’ are the ones that got Lakeside as sophomores and Lakeside as juniors,” said Patricia Whitely, senior vice president of student affairs and alumni engagement. “The freshmen that went to Centennial and then got Mahoney as sophomores will feel like they lost something. But they were never intended to get that.”

To make sure Gables Village is still an attractive option for sophomores, the layout will be a “suit style” for independent living.

Once Gables Village is completed, UM is setting its sights on improving Eaton.

“Eaton is on the horizon, we know that. It’s prime real estate,” said Whitely.

Whether Eaton will be replaced or renovated has not been determined. But the Housing and Residential Life offices will be moved to Gables Village to “capture the new space.” 

UM’s future construction plans also revealed possible renovations for the Whitten Learning Center. 

Joel Samuels, who became Provost on Aug. 11, is focused on improving the “classroom experience,” Brumley said. Whitten LC is part of that discussion.

Whitely also said that UM wants to be strategically aware of land opportunities. She mentioned that the land across the street next to the Bagel Emporium could soon hold 800 more beds, and UM needs to consider surrounding housing opportunities and enrollment statistics in all construction decisions. 

Expanding UM’s campus across the street could make campus life “harder to navigate and manage.”

As new off-campus housing continues to be built in convenient locations, UM will have to rethink if more beds are needed on-campus. The housing plan is far from finished.

Plans for Gables Village include renovating dining areas.

The new dining hall will be built on the first floor of Gables Village, under the suites. Mahoney-Pearson Dining Hall will remain in operation until it opens in Jan. 2029.

“There will never be a situation where students don’t have a dining hall in that area open and functioning,” said Jessica Brumley, vice president of facilities operations and planning.

To accommodate the 2,000 residents living in Centennial Village and Eaton, UM plans to add more seating to the Centennial dining hall. The green area looking out towards the Shallala Student Center could be replaced with 110 outdoor seating spaces. 

Alongside additional seating, Residential Assistants who were previously in Mahoney-Pearson could be moved to Centennial Village Phase Two. During recruitment, RAs are not guaranteed a place in the same building. So returning RAs could end up on the other side of campus.

First-year Fellows only work in freshman housing, so they will be moved entirely to Centennial Village.

Large changes to UM’s campus like this one require funding, and it remains unclear what this means for tuition or housing costs. 

“Housing is on its own bottom,” said Whitely. “Housing supports housing.”

The budget for projects like Gables Village comes from the housing costs already included in students’ tuition. Whitely compared the costs to a mortgage. 

No information has been released on the expected cost of construction. Once the project is officially announced, it will be available on the Student Affairs New Student Housing page.  

The expected cost of living is also unknown. Currently, on-campus housing can range from $5,590 for a double at Eaton to $14,020 for an apartment at Lakeside.

UM expects to remain competitive with the market in the area by comparing costs to off-campus housing like Lifetime and Standard.

“If I’m the parent of a student and I can get a better rate at Thesis across the street, that’s what I’m going to do,” said Sobaram.

With this reality in mind, UM will also offer support to those students who cannot find a spot on campus with off-campus housing fairs and assistance through the waitlist procedures. 

Thesis Hotel across the street will provide transitional housing until students can find permanent solutions. The details of this initiative have not been revealed yet.

Plans for Gables Village are designed to appeal to sophomore students beyond price.

“Most students want single rooms when they are sophomores,” Sobaram said

Gables Village will offer four-person suites to accommodate this. 

60% will have four single rooms, two bathrooms, two sinks outside the bathroom and a common room without a kitchen or laundry. The other 40% will have the same layout but with two double rooms. 

Planning for Gables Village focused on aligning the project with UM’s sustainability goals. Effective AC methods, energy-efficient glass for windows and landscaping with native plants that need minimal watering are some of the measures.

It is unclear when all phases of the project will be completed. UM officials want students to think of the future instead of being frustrated with how long it may take.

“These things take time,” said Whitely. “There are a lot of pieces of the puzzle going back from 2012 through now to 2032.”

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