MIAMI (AP) — A key mayoral runoff in Miami pits Eileen Higgins, a Democrat aiming to become the first of her party to lead the city in nearly thirty years, against Emilio Gonzalez, a Republican with strong support from leading figures of the GOP, including President Donald Trump. This election represents not just a local political battle but a barometer for the broader electoral climate heading into the 2026 midterms, particularly with respect to the Hispanic community, which holds significant sway in this sun-soaked city of 487,000.
Higgins’s campaign highlights local issues, yet she is also vocal about national concerns, such as immigrant arrests during the Trump administration, an issue that resonates in a predominantly Hispanic city. She refers to herself with the affectionate term 'La Gringa' while also having the ability to communicate in Spanish, standing out in her demographic outreach.
On the other side, Gonzalez, a former city manager, has taken a different approach, advocating for tax reforms and regulations favorable to business development, signaling a continuation of conservative policies. His stance on immigration aligns with traditional Republican values, supporting measures against those committing crimes, albeit acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
The implications of this mayoral race extend beyond Miami, serving as a potential catalyst for a shift in party dynamics, especially for Democrats who are looking to reclaim lost ground after recent struggles in a state increasingly leaning Republican. A victory for Higgins can invigorate Democratic momentum, while Gonzalez's win would reinforce GOP footholds in Miami—a city critical to Florida's political chessboard as the nation gears up for an electoral season marked by challenges and changing demographics.
Higgins’s campaign highlights local issues, yet she is also vocal about national concerns, such as immigrant arrests during the Trump administration, an issue that resonates in a predominantly Hispanic city. She refers to herself with the affectionate term 'La Gringa' while also having the ability to communicate in Spanish, standing out in her demographic outreach.
On the other side, Gonzalez, a former city manager, has taken a different approach, advocating for tax reforms and regulations favorable to business development, signaling a continuation of conservative policies. His stance on immigration aligns with traditional Republican values, supporting measures against those committing crimes, albeit acknowledging the complexity of the issue.
The implications of this mayoral race extend beyond Miami, serving as a potential catalyst for a shift in party dynamics, especially for Democrats who are looking to reclaim lost ground after recent struggles in a state increasingly leaning Republican. A victory for Higgins can invigorate Democratic momentum, while Gonzalez's win would reinforce GOP footholds in Miami—a city critical to Florida's political chessboard as the nation gears up for an electoral season marked by challenges and changing demographics.
