NORTH MIAMI BEACH — The Republican Party is making increasing efforts to engage Haitian-American voters, a demographic that has historically leaned toward the Democratic Party. While many Haitian-Americans have openly supported Democratic ideals, a growing number are aligning themselves with Republican values, despite concerns surrounding former President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about the Haitian community. These individuals often face criticism within their own community, where they are sometimes viewed as traitors for deviating from the majority’s political preferences.
Prominent Haitian-American leaders are increasingly voicing their support for the Republican Party. Among them is Madgie Nicolas, Chair of Haitians for Trump, and Elizabeth Jeanty, Committeewoman for District 12 in the Republican Party of Miami-Dade, Florida. Dr. Daniel Cedant, a respected and outspoken radio host, has also endorsed the party. These figures argue that, while they may have differences with Trump, the Republican Party more closely aligns with their core values and offers Haitian-Americans a meaningful opportunity for representation within both major political parties.
A key event, called ‘Haitians for Rick Scott,’ recently underscored this shift when Senator Rick Scott engaged in dialogue with members of the Haitian community in North Miami Beach. The event, held at Third Day Church (15947 NE 19th Pl, North Miami Beach), led by Pastor Ariel Vasquez, highlighted the community’s deep ties to faith and its cultural significance. The 90-minute gathering was part of the Republican Party’s outreach efforts, with Senator Scott aiming to strengthen relationships with Haitian-American voters.
The event also featured the endorsement of Senator Scott by Rodenay ‘Rod’ Joseph, a former Democratic candidate who ran for Scott’s Senate seat in the primary. He lost in the Democratic primary last August to Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, a former one-term congresswoman from Miami.
Joseph’s support highlighted the significance of the event, as did the attendance of notable figures like Jeff Lozama, Past Chairman of the Haitian-American Chamber of Commerce of Florida, entrepreneur Jean Patrick Maignan, former Haiti Vice Consul in Miami Guy Francois Junior, and radio hosts Marc-Edner Jeudy and Rotschill Anderson. With around 100 people in attendance, the event demonstrated that a segment of the Haitian-American community is seeking to broaden its political involvement by engaging with both parties, rather than adhering to a single political affiliation.
During his address, Senator Scott, who is running for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent Florida, emphasized the importance of Haitian-Americans having representation, regardless of which party holds power. He highlighted key Republican values, such as entrepreneurship, family, and community growth—values that resonate with many Haitian-Americans. While many attendees acknowledged their disagreements with Trump’s positions on some issues, they expressed that the Republican Party’s platform overall aligned better with their values and aspirations.
After the formal event, Senator Scott took the time to engage in private meetings, including a discussion with Jean Patrick Maignan, a well-known political adviser in Miami-Dade County, at his office adjacent to the church. These smaller interactions allowed for more personalized exchanges, giving Haitian-American attendees the opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas directly to the senator.
Senator Rick Scott is set to visit the Tabernacle of Glory in Miami tomorrow, Sunday (October 27), for an early morning meeting with the congregation led by Bishop Gregory Toussaint. Widely seen as a rising political figure, Bishop Toussaint’s leadership was prominently displayed during the ‘Relief for Haiti’ march on July 9, 2023. The event, which attracted considerable attention, aimed to press the U.S. Congress to enact the Haiti Criminal Collusion Transparency Act of 2023, a bill designed to expose and penalize influential figures in Haiti who secretly support criminal gangs. Following the church visit, Senator Scott will attend another Haitian community gathering in Kendall later in the afternoon.
Despite reservations about Trump’s previous comments regarding Haitians, many Haitian-American Republicans believe that diversifying their political representation is crucial. They argue that having a voice within both the Democratic and Republican parties is essential to ensuring their community’s needs are heard, no matter who is in power. This evolving dynamic reflects the increasing complexity of political affiliation within the Haitian-American community as they seek a stronger foothold in the U.S. political landscape.
Dessalines Ferdinand
