Eileen Higgins Elected as Miami's First Democratic Mayor in Three Decades
Published 10 December 2025
Highlights
- Eileen Higgins becomes the first Democratic mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years, winning 59% of the vote against Republican Emilio Gonzalez.
- Higgins' victory is part of a broader trend of Democratic wins, reflecting resistance to Donald Trump's policies in his second term.
- The election, officially nonpartisan, saw significant partisan support, with Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis endorsing Gonzalez.
- Higgins campaigned on issues like immigration and affordable housing, contrasting her views with Trump's policies.
- Miami-Dade County, with a significant immigrant population, played a crucial role in Higgins' victory.
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Rewritten Article
Eileen Higgins Elected as Miami's First Democratic Mayor in Three Decades
In a landmark victory, Eileen Higgins has been elected as the first Democratic mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years, marking a significant political shift in Florida's largest city. Higgins, a former county commissioner, secured 59% of the vote in the runoff election, defeating Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
A Historic Win Amidst Democratic Momentum
Higgins' election is part of a series of Democratic successes across the United States, highlighting growing opposition to Trump's policies during his second term. Miami-Dade County, known for its diverse and immigrant-rich population, played a pivotal role in this electoral shift. The county had previously supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election, making his endorsement of Gonzalez a significant factor in the race.
Campaign Focus: Immigration and Housing
Throughout her campaign, Higgins emphasized issues such as immigration and affordable housing, presenting her candidacy as a referendum on Trump's policies. "Miami chose a new direction... you chose competence over chaos," Higgins stated at her victory celebration. Her stance on immigration, in particular, resonated with Miami's residents, 57% of whom are foreign-born.
Partisan Support in a Nonpartisan Race
Although the mayoral race was officially nonpartisan, it attracted considerable partisan support. Gonzalez received endorsements from Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while Higgins was backed by prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Higgins' victory not only makes her the first woman to hold the office but also the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s.
A New Era for Miami
As Higgins prepares to take office, she has pledged to address the challenges facing Miami, promising to lead a city that "belongs to everyone." Her victory is seen as a bellwether for Democratic strength in Florida, with Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, describing it as a "big, big win."
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Scenario Analysis
Eileen Higgins' election as Miami's mayor could signal a broader political shift in Florida, potentially influencing future state and national elections. Her focus on immigration and housing may lead to policy changes that impact Miami's diverse population. As Higgins takes office, her ability to collaborate with Republican leaders, including those in the Trump administration, will be crucial in addressing the city's challenges. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if this Democratic momentum continues in upcoming elections, potentially reshaping Florida's political landscape.
In a landmark victory, Eileen Higgins has been elected as the first Democratic mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years, marking a significant political shift in Florida's largest city. Higgins, a former county commissioner, secured 59% of the vote in the runoff election, defeating Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.
A Historic Win Amidst Democratic Momentum
Higgins' election is part of a series of Democratic successes across the United States, highlighting growing opposition to Trump's policies during his second term. Miami-Dade County, known for its diverse and immigrant-rich population, played a pivotal role in this electoral shift. The county had previously supported Trump in the 2024 presidential election, making his endorsement of Gonzalez a significant factor in the race.
Campaign Focus: Immigration and Housing
Throughout her campaign, Higgins emphasized issues such as immigration and affordable housing, presenting her candidacy as a referendum on Trump's policies. "Miami chose a new direction... you chose competence over chaos," Higgins stated at her victory celebration. Her stance on immigration, in particular, resonated with Miami's residents, 57% of whom are foreign-born.
Partisan Support in a Nonpartisan Race
Although the mayoral race was officially nonpartisan, it attracted considerable partisan support. Gonzalez received endorsements from Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while Higgins was backed by prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Higgins' victory not only makes her the first woman to hold the office but also the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s.
A New Era for Miami
As Higgins prepares to take office, she has pledged to address the challenges facing Miami, promising to lead a city that "belongs to everyone." Her victory is seen as a bellwether for Democratic strength in Florida, with Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, describing it as a "big, big win."
What this might mean
Eileen Higgins' election as Miami's mayor could signal a broader political shift in Florida, potentially influencing future state and national elections. Her focus on immigration and housing may lead to policy changes that impact Miami's diverse population. As Higgins takes office, her ability to collaborate with Republican leaders, including those in the Trump administration, will be crucial in addressing the city's challenges. Political analysts will be watching closely to see if this Democratic momentum continues in upcoming elections, potentially reshaping Florida's political landscape.
