🔗 Share this article Miami's Eileen Higgins Chosen as Inaugural Democratic Leader of the City of Miami in 30 Years. The mayor-elect addressed supporters after the election results. Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins has won the election to lead Miami in the state of Florida, marking the historic occasion a Democratic candidate has won the office in almost three decades. A one-time commissioner, Higgins prevailed in the runoff by securing fifty-nine percent of the ballots, overcoming her Republican competitor Emilio Gonzalez, who was supported by Donald Trump and received around 41% of the vote, based on certified totals. "The city selected a different path... you chose capability over confusion," Higgins said to supporters. Higgins' victory extends a string of current Democratic wins. A Landmark Victory on Several Levels With her victory, Higgins, 61 years old, also emerges as the initial woman to be chosen as mayor, US media reported. Higgins said her victory "signals the start of the work ahead" and vowed to confront the problems Miami continues to face. "I will govern a city that belongs to everyone," she added. Key Issues and Difference with the President Focusing her campaign on platform points including the immigrant community and affordable housing, she worked to distinguish her governing approach against that of Trump. In a recent discussion, Higgins observed: "We have contrasting outlooks on how we should serve our citizens, many of whom are new Americans." During the city debate, she called the federal immigration actions "unjust and harsh." She vowed to work with the federal government on issues where they can identify shared goals, but "where our views differ, I'll speak out," she said. Support and the Election Path Even though the contest was officially not party-affiliated, Higgins earned the backing of several prominent Democratic figures, including one-time secretary Pete Buttigieg. In addition to Trump's endorsement, Gonzalez was also endorsed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Higgins now replaces outgoing mayor Francis Suarez, who attempted a run for the GOP presidential nomination. Part of a Larger Wave Leading up to Higgins' success, the Democrats achieved key victories in the opening key races of the President's new term last month. In NYC, a Democratic candidate overcame independent Andrew Cuomo. A Democratic candidate secured victory in the gubernatorial election in the state of Virginia, turning the seat from GOP control. Another Democrat was elected governor in the state of New Jersey.
The mayor-elect addressed supporters after the election results. Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins has won the election to lead Miami in the state of Florida, marking the historic occasion a Democratic candidate has won the office in almost three decades. A one-time commissioner, Higgins prevailed in the runoff by securing fifty-nine percent of the ballots, overcoming her Republican competitor Emilio Gonzalez, who was supported by Donald Trump and received around 41% of the vote, based on certified totals. "The city selected a different path... you chose capability over confusion," Higgins said to supporters. Higgins' victory extends a string of current Democratic wins. A Landmark Victory on Several Levels With her victory, Higgins, 61 years old, also emerges as the initial woman to be chosen as mayor, US media reported. Higgins said her victory "signals the start of the work ahead" and vowed to confront the problems Miami continues to face. "I will govern a city that belongs to everyone," she added. Key Issues and Difference with the President Focusing her campaign on platform points including the immigrant community and affordable housing, she worked to distinguish her governing approach against that of Trump. In a recent discussion, Higgins observed: "We have contrasting outlooks on how we should serve our citizens, many of whom are new Americans." During the city debate, she called the federal immigration actions "unjust and harsh." She vowed to work with the federal government on issues where they can identify shared goals, but "where our views differ, I'll speak out," she said. Support and the Election Path Even though the contest was officially not party-affiliated, Higgins earned the backing of several prominent Democratic figures, including one-time secretary Pete Buttigieg. In addition to Trump's endorsement, Gonzalez was also endorsed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Higgins now replaces outgoing mayor Francis Suarez, who attempted a run for the GOP presidential nomination. Part of a Larger Wave Leading up to Higgins' success, the Democrats achieved key victories in the opening key races of the President's new term last month. In NYC, a Democratic candidate overcame independent Andrew Cuomo. A Democratic candidate secured victory in the gubernatorial election in the state of Virginia, turning the seat from GOP control. Another Democrat was elected governor in the state of New Jersey.