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Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins won Miami’s mayoral runoff election Tuesday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the city has elected a Democrat as mayor.
Higgins secured 59% of the vote versus former Miami City Manager Emilio Gonzalez’s nearly 41%, according to unofficial results from the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections. The win marks an end to a competitive race that began with a crowded 13-person field.
“Our city chose a new direction,” Higgins told the cheering crowd at her election night celebration. “You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses and a city government that finally works for you.”
The campaign centered on issues such as immigration, housing, flooding, city growth, and the tone of leadership Miami needs. Higgins and Gonzalez faced off in a CBS News Miami debate moderated by Jim DeFede on Nov. 25, giving voters a chance to compare their visions for the city.
While the race was officially nonpartisan, Higgins had the backing of prominent Democrats, while Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Trump, endorsed Gonzalez.
Out of 175,692 registered voters, 37,496 cast ballots on Tuesday, a turnout of 21.3 percent, according to official records.
Higgins’ vision for Miami
Higgins served eight years on the Miami-Dade County Commission and campaigned on restoring public trust and bringing what she described as calmer, more collaborative leadership to City Hall. Affordable housing was a cornerstone of her platform. She pledged to utilize city-owned land to build housing for working families and criticized Miami’s rapid growth without corresponding improvements in services.
She also called for a full review of city spending and proposed updating regulations to allow permeable pavement and accelerate park construction to improve drainage citywide. Higgins supports expanding the City Commission from five to nine members, arguing that Miami’s legislative body is unusually small compared to other major cities and leaves many communities underrepresented.
On immigration enforcement, Higgins voiced strong concerns, calling recent actions in Miami “inhumane and cruel.”
Higgins vowed to work with the Trump administration on issues where they can find common ground, but told CBS News, “When we disagree, I’ll make my voice heard.”
Higgins celebrates historic victory
Cheers inside a Miami ballroom grew louder as Higgins stepped to the microphone, newly elected as the city’s next mayor.
“Well, we did it!” she exclaimed, drawing another round of applause.
Higgins framed the night as a turning point for Miami and reminded supporters that the celebration was also a call to action.
“This isn’t just a celebration but also a promise because Miami is facing real challenges and tonight marks the beginning of the work ahead,” Higgins said.
She pledged to move Miami forward.
“No more endless delays for families trying to fix a home or small business trying to open,” Higgins said. “We will cut red tape, repair what’s broken, and modernize City Hall. We will confront the affordability crisis with the urgency Miami families need. We will make our streets safer by supporting law enforcement and strengthening community partnerships. We will protect Biscayne Bay.”
Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Her vision was inclusive.
“We will lead a city that belongs to everyone,” she said to cheers.
“A city where seniors can stay, younger people can build a future, immigrants feel welcome and respected,” she added, as the crowd roared again.
Higgins also struck a conciliatory tone, noting she had spoken with her opponent.
“I just spoke with my opponent Emilio Gonzalez, a good man that I’ve known for many, many years and genuinely respect,” Higgins said. “He cares about our community; that is what unites us.”
Prominent Miami figures joined Higgins at the celebration, including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales, County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III, Opa-locka Mayor John Taylor, and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, underscoring the historic nature of Higgins’ win.
Gonzalez concedes, reflects on lawsuit
Before delivering his concession speech, Gonzalez called Higgins directly.
“We respect you, and we will give you all the latitude you need to do great things,” Gonzalez told her.
Even as he conceded, Gonzalez acknowledged the legal battle that made Tuesday’s vote possible. His lawsuit, filed in July 2025, challenged the City of Miami’s decision to postpone the mayoral election until 2026.
Asked Tuesday if he felt the lawsuit was worth it, Gonzalez replied: “Absolutely, listen, think of the irony. I filed a lawsuit to have an election that I participated in and lost. Okay? That should tell you that it’s much bigger than me.”
He had argued the postponement was unconstitutional and disenfranchised voters, saying only the electorate had the authority to change the date. A judge agreed, ruling the city’s vote to delay was void and unconstitutional. That decision ensured the election went forward in 2025, ultimately leading to the runoff between Gonzalez and Higgins.
Levine Cava hails historic milestone
Miami‑Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava congratulated Higgins, noting that Higgins is the first woman ever elected mayor of Miami.
In a statement, Levine Cava called the win a milestone for representation and said voters sent a clear message that they are tired of chaos, corruption, and rising costs.
She pledged to work alongside Higgins to deliver a city that “works for everyone.”
“For nearly 130 years since Julia Tuttle founded this city, Miami has never elected a woman as mayor,” Levine Cava said. “That changes tonight.”
What’s next?
Higgins will take office with a mandate to address housing affordability, climate resilience, and government transparency. Her win signals a shift in Miami’s political landscape and sets the stage for significant policy changes in the years ahead.
