Eileen Higgins has been elected mayor of Miami, marking several historic milestones for the city. Higgins will become the first woman ever elected to lead Miami and the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to hold the office, ending a 28-year period of control by Republicans.
In a runoff election held on December 9, 2025, Higgins defeated Republican candidate Emilio González with approximately 59 percent of the vote compared to González’s 40.5 percent. Despite the Miami mayoral election officially being nonpartisan, it drew significant attention because González was endorsed by national Republican figures, including President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
Higgins’ campaign focused on local governance priorities such as affordable housing, improved public transit, and more efficient city services. She emphasized restoring trust in local government and addressing the rising cost of living that residents have faced in recent years. Higgins had previously served on the Miami-Dade County Commission, where she represented District 5 from 2018 until stepping down to run for mayor.
Miami is a diverse, majority-Hispanic city, and Higgins’ victory in such a context reflects evolving political dynamics. Voter concerns about immigration enforcement, economic pressures, and housing affordability were central topics during the campaign. Higgins spoke to the issues that people are caring about throughout the race, often appealing to broad constituencies across the city’s neighborhoods.
This election is a potential indicator of voter shifts in major metropolitan areas, particularly within Florida, where Republicans have consolidated statewide power. Higgins’ win reflects changing political dynamics in Miami and is a historic milestone for women in the city’s electoral landscape.