Eileen Higgins Elected Miami's First Female Mayor in 30 Years

Eileen Higgins has been elected as Miami's first female mayor and the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s. According to the New York Times, Higgins, 61, previously served as a Miami-Dade County commissioner and won decisively against Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez by an 18 percentage point margin.

This election marks a significant political shift in Miami, where the Democratic Party has not held the mayor's office in nearly 30 years. Higgins's victory is viewed as a response to rising concerns over immigration policies and the economic challenges faced by residents, particularly in a city where 57% of the population is foreign-born, as reported by The Guardian.

Higgins campaigned against the backdrop of Trump's immigration agenda, emphasizing her commitment to ethical leadership and addressing local issues such as housing affordability. NBC News highlighted that her win could set a precedent for the upcoming 2026 midterms, with Democrats seeing it as a signal of changing political tides in Florida.

The Chicago Tribune noted that prominent Democrats supported Higgins, which contributed to her grassroots campaign's success. While the mayoral role is largely ceremonial, Higgins has pledged to approach it with full commitment, focusing on the needs of Miami residents.