Miami Elects First Woman, a Democrat, as Mayor

Democrats can now add a major city in Donald Trump’s home state — and one set to host his future presidential library — to their list of off-cycle election wins.

Higgins’ win adds to the slew of victories and close calls Democrats have seen this year. (Photo: Eileen Higgins Facebook)

In a runoff, Miamians elected Eileen Higgins as mayor, the first woman in the city’s history to hold the job and the first Democrat in 28 years, Kimberly Leonard reported for Politico.

Higgins, a former county commissioner, defeated Republican Emilio González, a former city manager who had the endorsement of Trump and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Though the race and the office of mayor are nominally nonpartisan, the election generated significant interest from national Democrats and Republicans.

Higgins’ win adds to the slew of victories and close calls Democrats have seen this year, including last week’s strong performance in a House special election in Tennessee.

The election could boost messaging for Florida Democrats, who have faced setbacks in recent election cycles and hold a 1.4 million registered-voter disadvantage in this former swing state.

“Tonight’s victory shows that the pendulum is swinging in our favor and that when we commit to relentless, year-round organizing and invest in a long-term strategic field program, we can, in fact, win,” Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried said in a statement.