Miami Elects Eileen Higgins, First Democratic Mayor in Nearly 30 Years, in Shocking Rejection of Trump-Backed Rival

David Gilmour Dec 10th, 2025, 6:18 am

(AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Miami delivered a jolt to Florida politics last night as Eileen Higgins swept into City Hall, ending nearly 30 years of Republican dominance and handing President Donald Trump a rare local defeat in his own backyard.

Higgins, a former county commissioner, secured 59% of the vote against Republican rival Emilio González , who mustered just 40% despite endorsements from both the president and Governor Ron DeSantis . The margin, a striking 19 points, underscored how decisively Miami rejected the GOP’s preferred candidate.

Addressing supporters, Higgins declared: “Miami chose a new direction… You

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