MIAMI (AP) — Eileen Higgins has made history by winning the Miami mayoral race, defeating Republican candidate Emilio Gonzalez by approximately 19 points. This victory is not just a personal achievement for Higgins but also a larger political shift in an area where Donald Trump previously held significant influence. It marks the first time in nearly 30 years that a Democrat will lead the city of 487,000.
Higgins aims to focus on local community issues, including the impact of immigration agreements that allow police to enforce federal laws. We need to explore all our legal options to ensure that our city police work for our neighborhoods and not just checking residents’ papers, she stated during a press conference.
Targeting the issues of affordability, Higgins highlighted the concerns residents have regarding rising costs of living. She pointed out, When I hear what the residents have to say about affordability, it’s real. They’re facing expensive rent and costs of various goods due to tariffs.
While she criticized Trump's record on immigration, Higgins expressed a recognition of the benefits of certain federal initiatives, noting shared funding for local transit projects. However, she’s also seen rising opposition to the proposed Trump presidential library in Miami, dubbing it a land giveaway and arguing that the city could benefit from the sale of the land.
As Miami prepares to host the G20 summit next year, Higgins' election brings renewed focus to local governance and the pressing issues facing the community.
Higgins aims to focus on local community issues, including the impact of immigration agreements that allow police to enforce federal laws. We need to explore all our legal options to ensure that our city police work for our neighborhoods and not just checking residents’ papers, she stated during a press conference.
Targeting the issues of affordability, Higgins highlighted the concerns residents have regarding rising costs of living. She pointed out, When I hear what the residents have to say about affordability, it’s real. They’re facing expensive rent and costs of various goods due to tariffs.
While she criticized Trump's record on immigration, Higgins expressed a recognition of the benefits of certain federal initiatives, noting shared funding for local transit projects. However, she’s also seen rising opposition to the proposed Trump presidential library in Miami, dubbing it a land giveaway and arguing that the city could benefit from the sale of the land.
As Miami prepares to host the G20 summit next year, Higgins' election brings renewed focus to local governance and the pressing issues facing the community.
