Trump Candidate Blows 30-Year GOP Stranglehold on Major City
The victory is a boost for Democrats going into next year’s midterms.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Miami has elected its first Democratic mayor in 30 years, giving the party a boost ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Democrat candidate Eileen Higgins defeated Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who had been personally endorsed by President Donald Trump, gaining nearly 60 percent of the vote.
Higgins, 61, will also become the first woman to lead the city of Miami. During her campaign, she criticized ICE raids that have impacted the city’s large Hispanic community.
Miami Mayor-elect Eileen Higgins celebrates her win.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
“Tonight, the people of Miami made history,” said Higgins, a former county commissioner.
“We are facing rhetoric from elected officials that is so dehumanizing and cruel, especially against immigrant populations,” Higgins told the Associated Press following her victory speech. “The residents of Miami were ready to be done with that.”
Higgins beat the Trump-endorsed Republican Emilio Gonzalez.
Miami Herald/TNS
Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, Nikki Fried, was thrilled with the result, noting in a statement, “I am thrilled for Eileen and cannot think of a better person to shatter Miami’s glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to lead the city in its 129-year history.”
Prior to her election, Higgins had said she had never been prouder to be a Democrat.
Sign Up for The Swamp Newsletter
By clicking “SUBSCRIBE” you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
“We’re living in the state of Florida, where we have people that are building cages for our residents rather than affordable housing for them.”
Higgins’ victory is another good sign for the Democrats ahead of next year’s midterms.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Higgins’ victory reverses a shift to the right in South Florida in recent elections. The Democrats also enjoyed victories in Virginia and New Jersey last month.
The Democrat made affordability a key issue in the campaign, promoting the construction of more affordable housing. Gonzalez supported Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ plan to eliminate property taxes for primary residences.
See more of our coverage in your search results.
Got a tip? Send it to The Daily Beast here.
Register below to read this article for free or subscribe
to unlock unlimited access to The Daily Beast.
Monthly
$1
First month then $5.99/month
Annual
$35
First year then $59.99/year
Premium
$79
First year then $119.99/year
*Substack access provided by the next business day, using your subscription email. Choosing the Premium plan constitutes your permission to share your subscription email with Substack and your agreement to Substack’s Privacy Policy.
Already have an account? Sign In
Looks like you already have a subscription!
You're all set!
Thanks for subscribing.
Sign in or create an account
Login dialog
Loading comments…