Miami voters have elected Eileen Higgins as the city’s next mayor, delivering a decisive win for the Democrat and ending almost three decades of Republican control. Higgins, 61, now becomes Miami’s first female mayor and the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s, marking a major political shift in a city long dominated by Cuban American Republican leadership.
In her victory statement, Higgins said: “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,” promising to build a government “that finally earns the public’s trust.”
With her runoff victory tonight, Eileen Higgins will be Miami’s next mayor—the first woman in the city’s history and the first Democrat in nearly 30 years elected to the office.
Congrats, Mayor-elect! pic.twitter.com/lSyZ087Xvc
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) December 10, 2025
Higgins Defeats Emilio T González in High-Profile Runoff
Higgins defeated Republican Emilio T González in Tuesday’s runoff election. Both candidates had advanced from the first-round vote in November.
The election followed a turbulent period in Miami politics, with a string of corruption scandals tied to local political dynasties. Both Higgins and González ran campaigns pledging better governance. The current mayor, Francis X. Suarez, is leaving office due to term limits after a brief and unsuccessful 2024 presidential bid.
National Spotlight on a Technically Nonpartisan Election
Although Miami’s municipal elections are officially nonpartisan, this contest drew national attention.
- President Donald Trump endorsed González.
- The Democratic National Committee backed Higgins, even sending senior Democrats to Florida to campaign for her during the final stretch.
Miami, a city of roughly half a million residents, has leaned increasingly Republican in recent cycles. While Democrats slightly outnumber Republicans in voter registration, GOP turnout has typically been stronger. This year’s result flips that trend, which Democrats say signals growing voter dissatisfaction with Trump and the Republican Party.
Who Is Eileen Higgins?
Higgins previously served on the Miami-Dade County Commission, representing what she described as a Republican-leaning district. She is a mechanical engineer by training and formerly worked as a Peace Corps director in Belize.
Throughout her campaign, Higgins focused on practical, everyday concerns such as flooding, infrastructure, and affordable housing.
Last week she said: “I’m a proud Democrat, but I serve them,” referring to all Miami residents. She added: “If their streets are flooded, I want public works projects that stop that flooding. If they need affordable housing, I don’t ask what political party they are before we let them take over an apartment. They’re in need.”
Miami-Dade County — home to the city and about 70% Latino or Hispanic — has been heavily watched since Donald Trump made major gains there in 2024.
With her historic win, Higgins is set to lead Miami into a new political era.
