Eileen Higgins Elected as Miami's First Female Mayor, Ending Nearly 30-Year Democratic Drought
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Eileen Higgins has been elected as Miami's first female mayor, marking the first Democratic victory in the city's mayoral race in nearly three decades.
Eileen Higgins has been elected as Miami's first female mayor, marking the first Democratic victory in the city's mayoral race in nearly three decades. Higgins, 61, defeated Republican Emilio Gonzalez, a former city manager endorsed by President Donald Trump, in the runoff election held on December 9, 2025. She secured approximately 59% of the vote, while Gonzalez received about 41%.
Higgins, who previously served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, campaigned on addressing the city's affordable housing crisis and reforming its permitting system. She emphasized the need to streamline bureaucratic processes to facilitate housing development and improve government transparency.
The election drew national attention, with both major political parties viewing it as a bellwether ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Higgins received support from prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Gonzalez, acknowledging his defeat, congratulated Higgins and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage with Miami's diverse communities during his campaign.
Higgins's victory is seen as a significant shift in Miami's political landscape, reflecting changing voter sentiments in the city.
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