Democratic Surge: Miami's Historic Mayoral Race

Democrats are optimistic about winning Miami's mayoral race for the first time in almost 30 years. Eileen Higgins leads as a potential first female, non-Hispanic mayor, challenging Republican Emilio Gonzalez. This election also reflects changing voter sentiments in a region once loyal to Trump.

After a series of electoral victories, Democrats are poised to capture Miami's mayoral seat for the first time in nearly three decades. Tuesday's closely watched runoff will provide insight into voter sentiment within Florida, a state long considered a Republican bastion.

Eileen Higgins, aged 61, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, emerged as the frontrunner in the initial election phase, securing 36% of the vote—a clear lead over her main competitor, Republican Emilio Gonzalez, who garnered 20%. Another Democrat, Ken Russell, finished third with 18%.

The election holds significant historical weight as Higgins aims to become not only the first Democratic mayor since 1997 but also the first female and non-Hispanic mayor of Miami, a city with a predominantly Hispanic population. Both campaigns have remained relatively non-partisan, though they have garnered national attention amid broader Democratic successes and Trump's endorsement of Gonzalez.

(With inputs from agencies.)