Democrats Flip Miami in First Mayoral Win Since 1997

Democrats scored a major upset in Miami on Tuesday, flipping the city’s mayoral seat for the first time in nearly three decades. Eileen Higgins, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, defeated Trump-endorsed Republican Emilio Gonzalez in a runoff, winning 59% of the vote.

The victory makes Higgins the first Democrat elected mayor of Miami since 1997—and the first woman to ever lead the city.

“Together, we turned the page on years of chaos and corruption and opened the door to a new era for our city—one defined by ethical, accountable leadership that delivers real results for the people,” Higgins said in her victory speech.

While the race was technically nonpartisan, it quickly became a proxy battle between the national parties. Gonzalez received endorsements from both President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, while Higgins was backed by prominent Democrats including former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

Higgins ran on a platform of government reform, promising to streamline the city’s permitting process, increase transparency at City Hall, and make housing more affordable. She also criticized the GOP’s immigration rhetoric, saying many Miami voters were “done” with what she described as “dehumanizing and cruel” policies toward migrants.

Gonzalez conceded Tuesday evening and thanked his supporters.

“Grateful beyond words for the thousands of Miami residents who stood with us for integrity, safety, and putting families first,” Gonzalez wrote. “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.”

Democrats quickly hailed the win as a potential momentum shift. “Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins’ win is a testament to what we can accomplish when we organize and compete everywhere,” Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said.

The race marked a rare Democratic victory in a state that has trended Republican in recent years. Donald Trump defeated Kamala Harris in Florida by more than 13 points in 2024. However, within Miami’s city limits, Democrats maintain a registration advantage and Harris carried the city in the presidential race.

Republican Mayor Francis Suarez, who was term-limited, did not endorse in the runoff. His departure leaves Democrats with a key foothold in a city that has long been a GOP stronghold.