Democrat Eileen Higgins won the mayoral election in Miami, Florida, the first time someone from her party did so in nearly 30 years.
Former County Commissioner Higgins won the runoff election with 59% of the vote, defeating Republican challenger Emilio Gonzalez, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump and received nearly 41% of the vote, according to official results.
Speaking to supporters at her election party, Higgins said, “Miami has chosen a new direction… you chose competence over chaos.”
Higgins' victory continues a string of recent victories for Democrats.
With her victory, Higgins, 61, also becomes the first woman elected to the post, according to US media reports.
Higgins said her victory “marks the beginning of the work ahead” and vowed to address the challenges Miami continues to face.
“We will lead a city that belongs to everyone,” she added.
Campaigning on issues such as immigration and affordable housing, she sought to contrast her leadership style with Trump.
In an interview with El Pais this week, Higgins said: “He [Trump] and I have very different views on how we should treat our residents, many of whom are immigrants.”
During the Miami mayoral debate, she called the president's immigration measures “inhumane and cruel.”
She promised to work with the Trump administration on issues where they can find common ground, but “when we disagree, I will make my voice heard,” she told US news partner BBC CBS.
Even though the race was officially nonpartisan, Higgins received the support of several prominent Democrats, including former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
In addition to Trump's support, Gonzalez also received support from Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Higgins now replaces outgoing Mayor Francis Suarez, who briefly ran for the Republican presidential nomination.
Ahead of Higgins' victory, Democrats scored key victories in the first major election of Trump's second term last month.
In New York, Zoran Mamdani defeated independent Andrew Cuomo. Abigail Spanberger won the governor's race in Virginia against a Republican, and Mikie Sherrill was elected governor in New Jersey.
