Eileen Higgins has been elected Mayor of Miami, marking a historic first for the city. At 61, she becomes both Miami’s first female mayor and the first Democrat to hold the position in 28 years.
In Tuesday’s runoff election, Higgins won with about 59 per cent of the vote over Emilio T. Gonzalez, who was endorsed by Donald Trump and received around 41 per cent. Higgins’ win is also significant because it happened in Donald Trump’s home state of Florida.
During her victory speech, Higgins said it was clear that Miami, a historically Republican-leaning city, “chose a new direction”.
“You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses and a city government that finally works for you,” Higgins said.
Previously, Higgins won a special election in 2018 to become Miami-Dade County Commissioner. She went on to win two more elections in 2022 and 2024.
Her campaign website says Higgins will focus on restoring trust in City Hall “by cutting red tape that stops homeowners and small businesses from moving forward”, as well as fostering safe neighbourhoods and “housing people can afford”.
She has also spoken frequently about Trump’s immigration agenda, a concern for the Hispanic-majority city.
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.
— Democrats (@TheDemocrats) December 10, 2025
Congrats, Mayor-elect! pic.twitter.com/lSyZ087Xvc
Despite the mayoral race being officially non-partisan, Higgins did not hide that she was a proud Democrat. Her win brings a significant change for Miami, a conservative-leaning electorate.
“No Democrat has been elected Mayor of Miami in nearly 30 years. Until tonight,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote on social media.
“Congratulations to Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins on crushing Donald Trump’s candidate! We are coming for the three South Florida Republicans next.”