Democrat Eileen Higgins Defeats Trump-Endorsed Rival in Miami Mayoral Race

Sat Dec 20 2025 16:03:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Eileen Higgins claims an impressive victory in the Miami mayoral election, marking a significant win for Democrats and a setback for President Trump, who backed her opponent.

Eileen Higgins has been elected as the first female mayor of Miami, winning by a substantial margin over the candidate endorsed by President Trump, Emilio Gonzalez. Her victory signals a potential shift in voter sentiment and will likely influence the local political landscape, particularly regarding immigration enforcement policies. Higgins aims to address affordability concerns among residents while maintaining a respectful discourse towards her political adversaries.

MIAMI (AP) — Democrat Eileen Higgins’ triumph in the Miami mayoral race represents a significant defeat for President Donald Trump, who backed her opponent, Emilio Gonzalez. Higgins, who is set to become Miami's first female mayor, secured a decisive win with a margin of approximately 19 points, suggesting shifts in voter attitudes.

Higgins becomes the first Democrat to lead the city in nearly three decades. She expressed her intention to explore legal avenues to dismantle a federal agreement that allows local police to conduct immigration enforcement, emphasizing her commitment to community safety over immigration checks.

“We need to ensure that our city police serve our neighborhoods, not enforce immigration status,” Higgins said during a press conference.

Addressing Trump

Higgins’ electoral success coincided with a speech from Trump in Pennsylvania, where he attempted to downplay inflation concerns, dismissing the term 'affordability' as a Democratic ploy. When asked what message she would send to Trump, Higgins stated, “The affordability crisis is real for residents facing rising costs — leaders need to take this seriously.”

Voter Sentiment

In her discussions with constituents, Higgins noted a marked change in sentiment since previous elections — voters are increasingly expressing fear and frustration regarding governance. She cited an incident where a medical clinic had to let go of employees due to changes in immigration policy, stressing the human impact of political decisions.

Future Challenges

Miami may become the host of Trump's presidential library, an initiative met with local resistance. Higgins criticized the proposal during a recent debate, arguing that the city should capitalize on valuable land rather than giving it away. She highlighted the need for responsible governance that prioritizes public service over land giveaways.

Looking Ahead

Under Higgins' leadership, who will follow in the footsteps of Mayor Francis Suarez, who announced that Miami will host the next G20 summit, the political dynamics in Miami may change significantly. Higgins expressed no apprehension about potential retaliation from Trump, asserting, “I am not scared of him, at all.”

}