In a historic turn of events, Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, has become Miami's first female and Democratic mayor in nearly three decades, as confirmed by The Associated Press.
Her victory against Republican Emilio González, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, signifies a major political shift in South Florida—a region that has been a conservative stronghold in recent years.
With 99% of the votes counted, Higgins defeated González by a significant 19-point margin, ending the Republican dominance that has persisted since the late 1990s.
At 61, the former Miami-Dade County Commissioner will take on a nonpartisan role that historically mirrors the political climate of Florida's most populous county.
A Symbolic Win for Democrats
Celebrating the win, the Democratic Party stated on their official social media that “With her victory tonight, Eileen Higgins will be the next mayor of Miami, the first woman in the city’s history and the first Democrat elected to the position in nearly three decades.”
This result has buoyed Democratic spirits ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, following recent triumphs in New Jersey and Virginia and gains in traditionally Republican districts.
“Tonight’s outcome is yet another wake-up call for Republicans: voters are tired of an agenda that makes life more expensive for families,” declared Ken Martin, chairman of the Democratic National Committee.
A New Face for a Diverse City
Throughout her campaign, Higgins championed affordable housing and advocated for a “more humane” immigration policy.
In a predominantly Hispanic city, she criticized the toughened immigration measures enacted by the Trump administration and condemned the conditions at the Krome detention center, calling them “inhumane.”
“We are facing dehumanizing and cruel rhetoric, especially towards immigrant communities,” Higgins stated in her victory speech. “The residents of Miami were ready to move beyond that chapter.”
González, a former city manager and Trump ally, conceded defeat and congratulated Higgins, but cautioned that “Miami needs to grow with balance, not with towers disguised as affordable housing.”
From "La Gringa" to Mayor
Fluent in Spanish, Higgins has represented a district for seven years that includes Little Havana, a predominantly Cuban conservative community.
Embracing the nickname “La Gringa” early in her political career was her way of connecting with Hispanic voters.
“I’m a gringa, what can I do? Denying it wouldn’t make sense,” she joked in an interview with AP, emphasizing her willingness to bridge community divides.
Immediate Challenges and Political Context
Higgins will assume office amid a legal battle over the proposed Trump presidential library at Miami Dade College, which has been temporarily blocked by a judge due to alleged violations of Florida's open government law.
While the Miami mayoral role holds limited formal power, its visibility makes it a significant political platform. The outgoing mayor, Francis Suárez, attempted to use it as a stepping stone for a 2023 presidential run, which he later abandoned.
Higgins will share the spotlight with Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County’s Democratic mayor, who governs a larger area that includes Miami and oversees crucial issues like transportation, housing, and emergency response.
Although both positions are officially nonpartisan, their concurrent leadership marks an unprecedented era of female and Democratic leadership in South Florida, a notion unimaginable just a decade ago.
According to analysts, Higgins’ victory might signal a political reconfiguration in Miami-Dade, a county that voted predominantly for Trump in 2024, making him the first Republican to win there since 1988.
A Message to Hispanic Voters
Higgins’ triumph also reignites discussions about the Hispanic vote in Florida. Republican Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar recently acknowledged that Latinos “aren’t guaranteed for any party,” warning that “Hispanics married Trump, but are only dating the Republican Party.”
Higgins has vowed to govern “for all Miamians,” focusing on transparency, housing, and social justice. “This is a moment to unite, listen, and rebuild trust in our city,” she declared before hundreds of supporters celebrating her victory in downtown Miami.
Her election not only heralds a new political chapter but also symbolizes a generational and leadership shift in one of the country’s most iconic cities.
“Change is here. It’s sweeping the nation, and now it’s sweeping Florida too,” summarized David Jolly, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate.
As Eileen Higgins takes office, she ushers in a new political era in Miami, at a time when Democrats aim to reclaim ground in a state that had, until now, seemed steadfastly Republican.
Key Insights into Eileen Higgins' Historic Win
How significant was Eileen Higgins' victory margin?
Eileen Higgins defeated Emilio González by a substantial margin of 19 percentage points, marking a decisive end to a long-standing Republican dominance in Miami.
What role did immigration policy play in Higgins' campaign?
Immigration policy was a central theme in Higgins' campaign, as she advocated for more humane policies and criticized the harsh immigration measures of the Trump administration.
What challenges will Eileen Higgins face as Miami's new mayor?
Higgins will face challenges such as the legal battle over Trump’s proposed presidential library and the ongoing need to address housing, transportation, and transparency in city governance.