In an election that’s got both locals and politicos talking, Miami has just elected its first female mayor, Eileen Higgins. And, in a major twist, she’s the first Democrat to hold the position in 28 years. Higgins, who has spent eight years as a county commissioner, claimed victory over Republican Emilio González, who, let’s just say, wasn’t exactly the city’s most popular choice. With 60 percent of the vote, Higgins not only won the title but also made history. It’s a political win with a dash of glamour—Miami’s changing direction, and the city just got a little more fabulous.
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In a victory speech at the Miami Woman’s Club, Higgins declared, “Miami chose a new direction. You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses, and a city government that finally works for you.” As much as those words were a promise, they were also a direct message to Miamians ready for a shake-up after years of political instability.
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A Major Blow to the GOP
Higgins’ victory was not just a local win—it’s a setback for the Republican Party in the region. For decades, Miami has been under Republican control, with GOP-backed mayors like Francis Suarez running the show. With her win, the city’s political landscape now has a Democrat at the helm, and that’s enough to rattle the cages of GOP insiders. Despite former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of González, the GOP couldn’t pull through this time. According to Chris Korge, finance chair of the Democratic National Committee, the GOP was “annihilated” in this race. You can practically hear the sound of crushed expectations echoing through Miami’s sunny streets.
But it wasn’t just a party win. Miamians, regardless of political affiliation, were looking for change—and Higgins delivered. She made her campaign about making government work better for the people, focusing on the rising cost of living and affordability issues, which have become even more pressing since the pandemic. The city’s population has surged, attracting wealthy newcomers, but at the expense of longtime residents who are feeling the pinch. Higgins is already positioning herself as the mayor who’ll tackle these issues head-on, ensuring Miami stays affordable without losing its cultural charm.
LGBTQ+ Support: A Key to Victory
Higgins’ win didn’t just resonate with the typical electorate. Equality Florida, the state’s largest LGBTQ+ advocacy group, threw its support behind her early on. She’s been an ally to the community for years, sponsoring LGBTQ+ legislation and even raising the pride flag at County Hall alongside Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. The endorsement came as no surprise, especially since Higgins had already built a reputation as one of the strongest advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in Florida politics.
“I’ll continue working every day to ensure our city is safe, inclusive, and affordable for everyone who calls it home,” Higgins promised. That’s a message that resonates not just with LGBTQ+ voters, but with anyone who believes that a city should be a place of opportunity and respect for all its residents, regardless of background or identity.
The Struggle for Stability
Higgins’ win represents a break from a long line of political dynasties in Miami, where politics often felt more like a soap opera than a system of governance. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Both Higgins and González agreed on the need for stability in the city’s politics, something that’s been lacking for years. Miami is a city that has always been on the international stage, and it’s only going to grow as it hosts major events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2026 G-20 summit. The stakes are high, and the city needs a leader who can navigate these changes effectively—and Higgins is promising to be that leader.
GOP’s “Fool’s Gold” and Miami’s New Era
While Republicans may dismiss the significance of Higgins’ victory, calling it “fool’s gold,” there’s no denying the momentum it provides to Florida Democrats. Miami has historically been a swing city, with Republicans having a slight edge, but this election proves that Democrats can make gains here. Even with Trump’s backing, González couldn’t convince enough voters to keep the status quo.
In a final twist, González’s defeat came with a show of Greek tradition—he broke plates at Meraki Greek Bistro as a cathartic release. But it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture. He also called Higgins to concede, stating that they shared a mutual desire for Miami to thrive. Classy, right? Miami politics, folks—never a dull moment.
A City Poised for Change
Miami’s newest mayor isn’t just breaking glass ceilings—she’s setting the stage for a city that could lead by example in both inclusivity and progress. With her focus on affordability, LGBTQ+ rights, and political stability, Eileen Higgins is exactly the kind of leader the city needs as it enters a new era. And let’s be real—Miami could use a little more of that magic in the air.
With early voting set to begin soon, the city of Miami can expect to see more energy, more excitement, and—hopefully—a lot more results. This new chapter in Miami’s history has just begun, and all eyes are on Mayor Eileen Higgins to make sure it’s a story worth telling.
Sources: Politico, Florida Politics, and WLRN