Eileen Higgins Makes History as Miami's First Democratic and Female Mayor in Decades

Historic Victory for Democrats in Miami

Eileen Higgins, a former Miami-Dade County Commissioner, has been elected as the new Mayor of Miami, marking a significant shift in the city's political landscape. Her victory in the runoff election held on December 9, 2025, makes her the first Democrat to lead the city since 1997, effectively ending a nearly 30-year period of Republican control. Higgins also shattered another barrier, becoming the first woman to serve as Miami's mayor.

Higgins secured approximately 59% of the vote against her Republican opponent, former city manager Emilio Gonzalez, who garnered nearly 41%. The election, while officially nonpartisan, drew national attention and became a proxy battle between the two major parties. Gonzalez received endorsements from prominent Republicans, including former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while Higgins was backed by the Democratic National Committee and other high-profile Democrats.

Campaign Focus and Voter Turnout

The campaign centered on critical local issues such as housing affordability, climate resilience, city growth, and the need to restore trust in City Hall. Higgins' platform also addressed concerns around immigration, a particularly resonant topic in the Hispanic-majority city.

Out of 175,692 registered voters, 37,496 cast their ballots in the runoff, resulting in a turnout of 21.3%. This election marked the first Miami mayoral runoff since 2001, following an initial round on November 4, 2025, where Higgins led a crowded field of 13 candidates.

Breaking a Decades-Long Trend

Higgins' win is particularly notable given the recent political trends in Miami-Dade County, which had seen a shift towards Republican candidates in recent presidential elections. Her victory reverses this trend within the city of Miami itself, which has not had a Democratic mayor since Xavier Suarez in the late 1990s. The outgoing mayor, Francis Suarez, a Republican, was term-limited and could not seek re-election.

Upon her victory, Higgins addressed supporters, stating, 'Tonight, the people of Miami made history. Together, we turned the page on years of chaos and corruption and opened the door to a new era for our city — one defined by ethical, accountable leadership that delivers real results for the people.' She pledged to lead a government that 'works for everyone' and focuses on practical concerns.