In an exciting turn of events, Miami has welcomed its very first Democratic mayor in 30 years, signaling a pivotal moment for the party as they set their sights on the 2026 midterms.
Eileen Higgins, the winning Democratic candidate, went up against Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who came with Trump’s personal endorsement. With this victory, 61-year-old Higgins not only becomes Miami’s maiden female mayor, but she also campaigned vigorously against ICE raids that have deeply impacted the city’s large Hispanic community.
“Tonight, we made history,” Higgins declared, drawing from her experience as a former county commissioner.
Addressing her supporters, she stated, “We are facing terminology from some in office that is incredibly dehumanizing, mostly aimed at immigrants. The residents of Miami were ready to put an end to this.” This was after her heartfelt victory speech, which was reported by The Associated Press.
Nikki Fried, chair of the Florida Democratic Party, expressed her enthusiasm over Higgins’s win, saying, “I am thrilled for Eileen as she breaks Miami’s glass ceiling by becoming the first female leader in the city’s 129-year history.”
Before her victory, Higgins resonated with pride in her party affiliations.
“Living in Florida, we have people more focused on building cages for our residents instead of affordable housing,” she pointed out.
This victory marks a reversal of the rightward trend noticed in recent elections in South Florida, as Democrats claim successes in Virginia and New Jersey in recent weeks.
Throughout her campaign, Higgins made affordable housing a priority, promising to induce a boost in housing projects. Meanwhile, Gonzalez endorsed a policy by Governor Ron DeSantis aiming to do away with property taxes for primary residences.
