In a significant shift for Miami’s political landscape, Eileen Higgins has been elected as the new mayor, marking the city’s first Democratic leadership in nearly 30 years. On December 9, 2025, Higgins, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, secured a decisive victory over Emilio González, a candidate backed by former President Donald Trump. The election results reveal a 19-point landslide win for Higgins.
Eileen Higgins Turns Miami Blue
Higgins achieved remarkable success by garnering strong support from Democratic voters while also attracting independents and making strides in Republican-leaning areas. This was particularly notable given González’s endorsement by Trump, which did not translate into widespread support.
Key Voter Insights
- Independent Voter Shift: Higgins triumphed in precincts with a high percentage of independent voters, securing 60% of the vote compared to González’s 40%.
- Democratic Dominance: In areas where at least 45% of the electorate were Democrats, Higgins captured nearly 90% of the total votes.
- Republican Challenges: Despite Trump’s endorsement, González only managed to secure about 65% of the votes in heavily Republican precincts.
Demographics and Voting Patterns
The election results demonstrate a critical shift in voter preferences among various demographic groups. While González performed well in predominantly Cuban American neighborhoods, earning around 62% of the vote, Higgins still managed to gain approximately 38%. The breakdown of votes across different demographics indicated strong support for Higgins among other groups:
- Black Voters: Higgins won nine out of ten votes in precincts with at least 45% Black voters.
- White Voters: She captured nearly 70% of the votes in predominantly white precincts.
- Hispanic Voters: In Hispanic-majority areas, González received about 60% of the votes, while Higgins took 40%.
Senior Voter Dynamics
Among voters aged 60 and over, the competition was closely contested. Higgins edged out González with 52% of this demographic’s votes, indicating her appeal to senior citizens in the city.
Implications for Future Elections
The election results signal a potential shift in Miami-Dade’s political landscape, particularly regarding independent voters. Political analyst Jesse Manzano-Plaza highlighted that the independent voter bloc, which has recently swayed toward Higgins, may pose challenges for Republicans in future elections.
With over half of Miami’s residents being born outside the U.S., immigration policies and their impact could play a pivotal role in shaping voter attitudes in upcoming contests. As Higgins begins her tenure, the implications of her win may resonate beyond Miami, reflecting broader trends in American politics.
