Democrats have claimed victory in the Miami mayoral race for the first time in nearly three decades. Eileen Higgins defeated Emilio Gonzalez to become the city’s first Democratic mayor since 1997.
Decision Desk HQ called the race at 7:08 p.m. ET, with Higgins securing 59.5 percent of the vote compared to Gonzalez’s 40.5 percent in the runoff election.
The win marks a significant boost for Democrats heading into next year’s midterms. The party is riding momentum from better-than-expected results in November elections and strong showings in recent special House races, including Tennessee. Democratic leaders hope an energized base focused on affordability issues will help flip the U.S. House and potentially the Senate.
Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin praised the victory as “testament to what Democrats can accomplish when we organize and compete everywhere, including in Miami.”
“Tonight’s result is yet another warning sign to Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is raising costs for working families across the country,” he added.
Higgins and Gonzalez were forced into a runoff after neither candidate secured a majority in the initial election. Higgins, who has become known as “La Gringa,” earned 36 percent of the vote in November, while Gonzalez received nearly 20 percent.
Gonzalez expressed gratitude: “Grateful beyond words for the thousands of Miami residents who stood with us for integrity, safety, and putting families first.”
He also stated: “While this election didn’t end the way we hoped, our fight for accountability, transparency, and a city that works for residents not insiders continues. May God bless Miami and our future.”
Both parties will adjust strategies as they prepare for next year’s midterms. Republicans aim to maintain control of both congressional chambers, while Democrats seek signs they can shift the balance.
Miami remains a key battleground state with former Vice President Kamala Harris winning the city by one point in 2024, though Miami-Dade County flipped red for Trump.