Higgins Wins Runoff Against Republican Emilio González
Democrat Eileen Higgins has won the Miami mayoral runoff, NBC News projects, marking the first time in nearly three decades that the office is held by a Democrat. Higgins, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, secured 59% of the vote against Republican Emilio González, a former city manager endorsed by President Donald Trump. González conceded Tuesday night.
Historic Victory and Representation Milestone
Higgins becomes the first woman ever elected mayor of Miami. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniela Levine Cava hailed the win as a historic milestone, emphasizing that voters rejected “chaos, corruption, and rising costs.” Higgins celebrated her victory, promising a city government that “works for everyone” and pledged to tackle housing affordability, infrastructure, and climate resilience.
Campaign Themes and Priorities
The election focused heavily on local governance, economic concerns, and immigration. Higgins emphasized affordable housing, proposing the use of city-owned land for working families and updating regulations to improve drainage and parks. She also pledged to expand the City Commission from five to nine members to ensure better representation.
González focused on local issues like overdevelopment and property tax relief. Despite Trump’s endorsement, González argued immigration policies were beyond his authority. Both candidates agreed Miami needed a new era of stability after years of political drama.
National Attention and Political Implications
Though technically nonpartisan, the race drew national attention. Prominent Democrats, including Pete Buttigieg, Rahm Emanuel, and Sen. Ruben Gallego, supported Higgins. Her win adds to a series of Democratic victories ahead of the 2026 midterms and could boost the party’s messaging in Florida, a former swing state.
Low Turnout, High Stakes
Of 175,692 registered voters, just over 21% participated in the runoff. Higgins had led the initial November 4 election with 36% of the vote among a crowded field of 13 candidates.
Looking Ahead
Higgins takes office with a clear mandate to improve city services, confront the affordability crisis, protect Biscayne Bay, and lead Miami into a new era of inclusive governance. She has promised to start work immediately and maintain a collaborative approach with city officials, including her former opponent González.
