Miami voters have elected Eileen Higgins as the city’s new mayor, marking a significant political shift by ending nearly three decades of Republican control. Higgins, a county commissioner, secured approximately 59 percent of the vote against former city manager Emilio González, who garnered around 41 percent in the runoff election held on December 9, 2025. This election is notable not only for its outcome but also because it represents the first time since 1997 that a Democrat has held the mayoral position in Miami.
Historic Election Outcome
The runoff was particularly significant as it was the first in Miami since 2001, attracting national attention for what is typically a nonpartisan contest. Higgins’ victory is historic as she also becomes the first woman elected to the mayoral office in Miami. After her victory speech, Higgins emphasized the electorate’s desire for a change in political discourse, stating, “We are facing rhetoric from elected officials that is so dehumanizing and cruel, especially against immigrant populations. The residents of Miami were ready to be done with that.”
During the campaign, González received endorsements from high-profile figures, including former President Donald Trump. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised González for his record in federal immigration leadership and called for voters to support him, asserting that he would work to strengthen the economy and secure borders. Despite Trump winning Miami-Dade County by 11 points in the recent election, the city of Miami itself saw a narrow victory for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Higgins focused her campaign on pressing local issues such as housing affordability, public transit, climate change, and government transparency. Her success in the runoff followed an impressive performance in the first round of voting in November, where she led a field of 13 candidates. The results suggest that her campaign themes resonated with voters.
Wider Implications for Democratic Party
Political analysts caution that while the mayor of Miami holds limited executive powers, this election outcome may indicate a shift in voter sentiment in a city that has been dominated by Republicans for decades. The outcome in Miami reflects broader trends in Democratic successes across various off-year races in 2025, including significant victories in gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey.
National Democratic leaders have quickly pointed to Higgins’ victory as a symbol of potential momentum heading into the upcoming midterm elections. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries celebrated the result on social media, stating, “No Democrat has been elected Mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years. Until tonight. Congratulations to Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins on crushing Donald Trump’s candidate!”
As Miami prepares for this new chapter under Democratic leadership, the implications of this election will be closely monitored. The city’s residents have expressed a clear desire for change and a new approach to governance, which could signal a shift in the political landscape of Florida and beyond.
