As Miami gears up for a historic runoff to determine who will take the helm of its municipal government, the city is witnessing intense ideological polarization and remarkable voter turnout in an election with multiple contenders.
Emerging as the principal contenders are Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio T. González, who will face off in the decisive runoff election slated for December 9th.
From Chaos to Clarity: First Round Results
In a nonpartisan election underscored by ideological undertones, Commissioner Eileen Higgins secured a distinct lead with 36% of the votes, totaling 13,325 ballots. Trailing her was former city manager Emilio T. González, who garnered 19% with 7,214 votes.
With 96% of the votes counted, neither candidate reached the required 50% for an outright win, thus triggering an automatic runoff between the top two vote-getters.
Despite their backgrounds and recognition, other contenders failed to gain enough support to advance:
- Ken Russell: 18% (6,514 votes).
- Joe Carollo: 11% (4,253 votes).
- Alex Díaz de la Portilla: 5% (1,905 votes).
- Xavier Suárez: 5% (1,830 votes).
- Other candidates: less than 3%.
A total of 13 candidates entered the race, including prominent figures like former mayor Xavier L. Suárez and Joe Carollo, both of whom have held the mayoral position previously.
Higgins' Progressive Vision for Miami
Commissioner of District 5 and a registered Democrat, Eileen Higgins has based her campaign on urban progressivism, focusing on issues such as:
- Affordable housing.
- Climate resilience.
- Transparent governance.
Her message has struck a chord with voters eager for change in city management. Following the election results, Higgins remarked, "Tonight, the people of Miami made history. Together, we turned the page on years of chaos and corruption and opened the door to a new era for our city, defined by ethical leadership, accountability, and tangible results for the people."
Having previously run for the U.S. Congress in 2022 without success, this new race offers Higgins a renewed opportunity to solidify her political influence.
González's Focus on Military Discipline and Fiscal Order
On the opposite end of the political spectrum is Republican Emilio T. González, whose vast experience in public and military administration includes:
- Former City Manager of Miami from 2018 to 2020.
- Retired U.S. Army officer with 26 years of service.
- Former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security under President George W. Bush.
With the political backing of Governor Ron DeSantis, González is advocating for a platform centered on security enhancement, attracting investments, and conservative fiscal policies. During his post-election event at the Hoy Como Ayer nightclub, González expressed gratitude to his supporters and optimism for the upcoming runoff.
The End of an Era: Farewell to Francis Suárez
The runoff will not only decide the new mayor but also mark the conclusion of Francis Suárez's tenure. Suárez, a moderate Republican with ties to President Donald Trump, has served as mayor since 2017 but cannot seek re-election due to term limits.
This transition indicates a potential ideological shift in Miami's political landscape, depending on the election outcome.
Electoral Context: A Divided Voter Base
According to Miami-Dade County's Department of Elections data:
- There are over 61,000 registered Democrats.
- Nearly 53,000 registered Republicans.
- Over 55,000 voters with no party affiliation.
This suggests a not strongly polarized electorate, providing an opportunity for both candidates to appeal to centrist voters in the runoff. Scheduled for December 9, 2025, both Higgins and González must intensify efforts to mobilize their base and sway undecided voters. Key strategies will include:
- Expanding coalitions beyond their core supporters.
- Forming alliances with candidates eliminated in the first round.
- Focusing campaigns on local issues such as security, housing, and economic development.
The final outcome will not only determine the leadership of a major city in the southern United States but also set the political and ideological direction Miami will follow in the coming decade.
Understanding Miami's Runoff Election
Why is Miami holding a runoff election for mayor?
Miami is holding a runoff election because no candidate secured the 50% majority required for an outright win in the first round, necessitating a second vote between the top two candidates.
Who are the candidates in Miami's mayoral runoff?
The candidates in the runoff are Democrat Eileen Higgins and Republican Emilio T. González, both of whom advanced from the first round of voting.
What are the main issues in Miami's mayoral election?
Key issues in the election include affordable housing, climate resilience, transparent governance, security enhancement, investment attraction, and conservative fiscal policies.