Eileen Higgins Secures Historic Miami Mayoral Victory, Defeating Trump-Backed Opponent
Democrat Eileen Higgins made history as Miami's first female mayor and the first Democrat in nearly 30 years, decisively defeating Trump-endorsed Emilio Gonzalez, signaling a significant political shift.
What Eileen Higgins's Win Means for the Midterms
TIME Magazine
Dem wins mayoral race, flips Miami blue for first time in nearly 30 years
The Post Millennial
Democrat wins Miami race, ending 28 years of GOP control
Washington Examiner
Overview
- Eileen Higgins achieved a historic victory in the Miami mayoral runoff, becoming the city's first female mayor and the first Democrat in almost 30 years.
- Higgins decisively defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Emilio Gonzalez by approximately 19-20 points, a significant setback for President Donald Trump's influence in the region.
- Mayor-elect Higgins has a history of public service, serving eight years on the county commission and as Miami-Dade's county commissioner for District 5 since 2018.
- Higgins plans to explore legal options to terminate an agreement that allows Miami police to enforce immigration laws, a key policy initiative following her victory.
- Higgins' victory, effective December 9, ends a three-decade Republican hold on the officially nonpartisan mayoral seat, reflecting a notable change in Miami voter behavior.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Eileen Higgins' Miami mayoral victory as a significant setback and warning sign for Donald Trump and the Republican party. They consistently interpret the local, non-partisan election through a national political lens, emphasizing Trump's endorsement of her opponent and connecting the outcome to his broader appeal and policies, particularly among Hispanic voters.
"Our city chose a new direction, you chose competence over chaos, results over excuses and a city government that finally works for you."
CBS News"Higgins, who will become the city’s first female mayor, secured a decisive win of approximately 19 points over Trump’s pick, Emilio Gonzalez, signaling a potential shift in voter sentiment."
ABC News"Higgins, who will become the city’s first female mayor, secured a decisive win of approximately 19 points over Trump’s pick, Emilio Gonzalez, signaling a potential shift in voter sentiment."
Associated Press"Eileen Higgins' election as Miami's mayor marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first Democrat to win the office in decades and the first woman to hold the role."
USA TODAY"The victory provides Democrats with some momentum heading into a high-stakes midterm election when the GOP is looking to keep its grip in Florida."
NPR"With her win, Higgins, 61, also becomes the first woman to be elected to the post, US media reported."
BBC News"Higgins, 61, will be the first woman to lead the city of Miami."
ABC News"Higgins, 61, will be the first woman to lead the city of Miami."
ABC News"Higgins' win signals a shift in Miami's political landscape and sets the stage for significant policy changes in the years ahead."
CBS News"The victory provides Democrats with some momentum heading into a high-stakes midterm election when the GOP is looking to keep its grip in Florida, including in a Hispanic-majority district in Miami-Dade County."
Chicago Tribune"Tonight, the people of Miami made history."
NBC News"A win for Democrats in Florida, Mr. Trump's adopted home state, and in the city that is set to become the site for his presidential library, would be a reversal in fortune for Republicans."
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FAQ
Eileen Higgins is Miami's newly elected mayor, the first female and the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to hold the position. She previously served eight years on the Miami-Dade County Commission, representing District 5 since 2018, and is known for her focus on housing affordability, transit, and environmental resiliency.
Higgins' victory was attributed to broad community outreach, a focus on practical issues like housing, flooding, and city growth, and presenting a message of competence over chaos. She defeated Emilio Gonzalez, a Trump-endorsed candidate, signaling a rejection of Trump-backed policies in Miami.
Her election ends a nearly three-decade Republican hold on the Miami mayoral office, marking a significant political shift. As the first Democrat and first woman mayor, her win indicates changing voter behavior and may influence the Democratic approach in Florida going forward.
Higgins plans to explore legal options to end agreements that allow Miami police to enforce immigration laws, and she aims to improve housing affordability, strengthen small businesses, enhance transit, create green spaces, and invest in environmental resiliency and flood mitigation.
Her campaign, which prioritized government efficiency and affordability over social justice or culture wars, is expected to be carefully studied by other Democratic hopefuls as a blueprint for appealing to a broad voter base in Florida.
History
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