Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral runoff with 59% of the vote, becoming the city's first Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years and its first woman mayor. She credits door-to-door outreach to Republicans, Independents and Democrats for her victory despite high-profile endorsements for her opponent. Higgins emphasized practical priorities—immigration, affordable housing, flood mitigation and responsible growth—and vowed to serve all residents regardless of party.
Historic Win: Eileen Higgins Credits Cross-Party Outreach for Miami Mayoral Victory
Eileen Higgins, the mayor-elect of Miami, says her victory in Tuesday's runoff came from broad, on-the-ground outreach across party lines. Higgins captured 59% of the vote, becoming the city's first Democratic mayor in nearly 30 years and the first woman elected to the office.
Speaking to CBS News shortly after the race was called, Higgins was asked whether former President Donald Trump's endorsement of her Republican opponent influenced the outcome. She focused instead on her campaign strategy.
"I don't know. What I know is what I did. I worked. I knocked on doors and called Republicans, Independents and Democrats all across the City of Miami — because you cannot become the mayor of this city if only Democrats vote for you. You can't become the mayor of this city if only Republicans vote for you. You've got to have all three."
Higgins, who has served eight years on the Miami-Dade County Commission representing a district that leans Republican, stressed that the mayoral contest is officially nonpartisan even though national politics played a role. She defeated Republican Emilio González, a former city manager who had endorsements from President Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Governing Priorities and Tone
During the campaign, Higgins emphasized practical local issues: immigration, affordable housing, flood mitigation and managing growth. She pledged to put service above partisan politics once she assumes office.
"The folks of the City of Miami know that I am a loud, proud Democrat," she said. "But when I get elected, the election's over, and the time of service begins, and you serve everybody. Never, ever ask their political affiliation. If their street is flooded, if they need an affordable unit to live in, you don't ask what party they're from. You say, 'Yep, we've got to figure out how to make that happen for you.'"
Miami's population is heavily Hispanic and many residents were born abroad, factors that shaped the campaign's focus on immigration and inclusion. At her victory event, Higgins told supporters, "Our city chose a new direction. You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses and a city government that finally works for you."
Higgins now begins the transition from county commissioner to city mayor with pledges to build a broad coalition and deliver concrete solutions to the city's pressing challenges.
