Democrats have flipped the Miami mayor’s office for the first time in nearly three decades, with Eileen Higgins defeating Emilio Gonzalez to become the city’s first Democratic mayor since 1997. Decision Desk HQ called the race at 7:08 p.m. ET, and reports indicate Higgins secured 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 following stronger-than-expected results in November elections and a compelling showing in Tennessee’s special House race this month. The party now aims to leverage an energized base and focus on affordability to flip the U.S. House and potentially the Senate in next year’s midterms.
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,” adding that “tonight’s result is yet another warning sign to Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda.”
Higgins and Gonzalez were both forced into a runoff after neither candidate reached 50 percent in the November election. Higgins, known as “La Gringa,” earned approximately 36 percent support, while Gonzalez received nearly 20 percent. Gonzalez described his gratitude to Miami residents, stating: “Grateful beyond words for the thousands of Miami residents who stood with us for integrity, safety, and putting families first.” He also noted: “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.”
With Miami remaining a critical swing area—having been narrowly won by Kamala Harris in 2024 while Miami-Dade County flipped red for Trump—the mayoral race will shape party strategies ahead of the midterms. Republicans seek to maintain congressional majorities, while Democrats aim to capitalize on voter sentiment as they adjust their approach in Florida’s diverse second-largest city.
