Overview
- Tuesday’s formally nonpartisan runoff pits Democrat Eileen Higgins, who led the first round with about 36%, against Republican Emilio González, who received roughly 19.5%.
- President Donald Trump publicly endorsed González and highlighted his career in civic and administrative roles, helping draw national attention and resources to the local race.
- Both national party committees have deployed support as outside funding flows in, turning the mayoral contest into a de facto test of Trump’s standing ahead of the 2026 midterms.
- November turnout rose more than 35% from 2021 but stayed under 40,000 ballots, with Miami’s rolls showing about 61,000 Democrats, 53,000 Republicans, and 55,000 independents.
- Analysts expect strong Cuban diaspora participation as local concerns over immigration, city services, safety, taxes, and housing intersect with Miami-Dade’s recent rightward shift, including Trump’s 13-point win there in 2024.