Eileen Higgins Wins Miami Mayoral Runoff, First Democrat in Decades

Higgins Wins Miami Mayoral Race

Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral race in Florida, becoming the first Democrat to be elected to the position in nearly 30 years, according to official results.

Higgins, a former county commissioner, secured 59% of the vote in the runoff election. She defeated Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez, who received nearly 41% of the vote. The race was officially non-partisan, but Higgins is a Democrat and Gonzalez is a Republican.

First Woman Elected Mayor of Miami

With this victory, the 61-year-old Higgins becomes the first woman elected as mayor of Miami. Her election follows a series of recent wins by Democratic candidates in other races.

Higgins will replace outgoing mayor Francis Suarez, who briefly ran for the Republican nomination for president. Her election marks a change in party control of the Miami mayor’s office after a gap of nearly three decades for Democrats.

Campaign Issues and Public Statements

During her campaign, Higgins focused on issues including immigration and affordable housing. She publicly contrasted her leadership approach with that of President Donald Trump. In an interview with El Pais, Higgins stated that she and Trump have very different views on how to treat residents of Miami, many of whom are immigrants. During the Miami mayoral debate, she described the president’s immigration enforcement as “inhumane and cruel.”

Higgins pledged to work with the Trump administration on issues where they can agree, while also stating that she would make her voice heard when they disagree. Speaking at her election celebration, she told supporters that her victory “marks the beginning of the work ahead” and said she intended to address the challenges facing Miami. She also said, “We will lead a city that belongs to everyone.”

Endorsements and Political Support

Although the Miami mayoral race is officially non-partisan, Higgins received support from several prominent Democrats, including former transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg. Emilio Gonzalez was endorsed by President Donald Trump and backed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.

Other Recent Democratic Victories

Leading up to Higgins’ win in Miami, Democrats secured several other electoral victories. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani defeated independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger won the governor’s race, flipping the office from Republican control. In New Jersey, Mikie Sherrill was elected governor.