Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins won Miami's mayoral runoff Tuesday, marking the first time in more than 30 years that the city elected Democratic mayor.
Higgins received 59% of the vote against the former Miami city manager. Emilio GonzalezAccording to the data, it is almost 41%. unofficial results from the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections. Victory marks completion competitive race it all started with a crowded 13-man field.
“Our city has chosen a new direction,” Higgins told a cheering crowd at an election night celebration. “You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses, and a city government that finally works for you.”
The campaign focused on issues such as immigration, housing, floodthe city's growth and the tone of leadership Miami needs. Higgins and Gonzalez met in a duel. CBS News Miami Debate Jim DeFede moderated Nov. 25, giving voters the opportunity to compare their views on the city's future.
Although the race was officially nonpartisan, Higgins was endorsed by prominent Democrats and Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Trump, endorsed Gonzalez.
Of the 175,692 registered voters, 37,496, or 21.3 percent, cast ballots on Tuesday, according to official data.
Higgins' Vision for Miami
Higgins spent eight years on the Miami-Dade County Commission and campaigned to restore public trust and bring what she described as calmer, more collaborative leadership to City Hall. Affordable Housing was the cornerstone of her platform. She pledged to use city-owned land to build housing for working families and criticized Miami's rapid growth without corresponding improvements in services.
She also called for a complete overhaul of city spending and proposed updating regulations to allow permeable sidewalks and speeding up the construction of parks to improve drainage throughout the city. Higgins supports city commission expansion from five to nine members, arguing that Miami's legislature is unusually small compared to other major cities and leaves many communities underrepresented.
On immigration enforcementHiggins expressed grave concern, calling the recent actions in Miami “inhumane and cruel.”
Higgins promised to work with the Trump administration on issues where they can find common ground, but told CBS News: “When we disagree, I will make my voice heard.”
Higgins celebrates historic victory
The cheers in the Miami ballroom grew louder as Higgins, recently elected as the city's next mayor, stepped up to the microphone.
“Well, we did it!” she exclaimed, causing another round of applause.
Higgins called the night a turning point for Miami and reminded supporters that the celebration was also a call to action.
“This is not just a celebration, but a promise because Miami faces real challenges and tonight marks the beginning of the work ahead,” Higgins said.
She promised to move Miami forward.
“No more endless delays for families trying to renovate a home or small businesses trying to open,” Higgins said. “We will cut through the red tape, fix what is broken and modernize City Hall. We will confront the affordability crisis with the urgency Miami families need. We will make our streets safer by supporting law enforcement and strengthening community partnerships. We will protect Biscayne Bay.”
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Her vision was inclusive.
“We will lead a city that belongs to everyone,” she said to applause.
“A city where older people can stay, young people can build a future, immigrants feel welcome and respected,” she added as the crowd roared again.
Higgins also struck a conciliatory tone, noting that she had spoken with her opponent.
“I just spoke with my opponent Emilio Gonzalez, a good man who I have known for many, many years and truly respect,” Higgins said. “He cares about our community; this is what unites us.”
Higgins was joined at the celebration by prominent Miami figures including Miami-Dade Mayor Daniela Levine Cava, Miami Police Chief Manny Morales, Oliver County Commissioner Gilbert III, Opa-Locka Mayor John Taylor and Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, highlighting the historic nature of Higgins' victory.
Gonzalez admits and reflects on lawsuit
Before making his concession speech, Gonzalez called Higgins directly.
“We respect you and will give you all the freedom you need to do great things,” Gonzalez told her.
Despite his admission, Gonzalez acknowledged the legal battle that made Tuesday's vote possible. His lawsuit, filed in July 2025, challenged the City of Miami's decision to delay mayoral elections until 2026.
Asked Tuesday if he thought the lawsuit was worth it, Gonzalez said, “Sure, look, think about the irony. I filed an election lawsuit that I contested and lost. Fine? That should tell you there's a lot more to it than me.”
He argued that the delay is unconstitutional and disenfranchises voters, saying only voters have the right to change the date. The judge agreed, ruling that the city's vote to delay was invalid and unconstitutional. This decision ensured elections would be held in 2025, ultimately leading to a runoff between Gonzalez and Higgins.
Levin Kava celebrates historical milestone
Miami-Dade County Mayor Danielle Levine Cava congratulated Higgins, noting that Higgins is the first woman ever elected mayor of Miami.
In a statement, Levin Cava called the victory a major milestone for representation and said voters have made it clear they are tired of chaos, corruption and rising costs.
She vowed to work with Higgins to build a city that “works for everyone.”
“In the nearly 130 years since Julia Tuttle founded this city, Miami has never elected a woman mayor,” Levine Cava said. “That will change tonight.”
What's next?
Higgins will take office with a mandate to address housing affordability, climate resilience and government transparency. Her victory signals a shift in Miami's political landscape and sets the stage for significant political changes in the years ahead.
