Eileen Higgins Makes History as Miami's First Democratic Mayor in Nearly Three Decades

Eileen Higgins, a Democrat, became mayor of Miami, defeating a Trump-backed Republican in a historic victory. This marks the first Democratic win in Miami's mayoral race since 1997. Her win highlights shifts in voter sentiment in a traditionally Republican stronghold and raises questions about Hispanic support for the GOP.

Eileen Higgins achieved a historic victory on Tuesday as she became the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to be elected mayor of Miami, defeating her Republican opponent, Emilio Gonzalez. Backed by President Trump, Gonzalez was beaten by an 18-point margin in the predominantly Hispanic city.

The Miami mayoral race, typically a quiet local contest, gained national attention as it signaled a potential shift in voter sentiment within Trump's established stronghold. Higgins' win comes on the heels of a series of Democratic triumphs in other recent elections, raising concerns for the GOP's future.

This victory ended years of Republican dominance in Miami politics and questioned the party's hold over Hispanic voters that Trump had previously attracted. Despite her monumental win, Higgins downplayed the national impact, focusing instead on addressing local issues of chaos and corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)