Miami's upcoming mayoral runoff election, scheduled for December 9, is drawing attention as early voting and mail-in ballot returns reveal a notable uptick in Democratic voter participation. Historically, the city has not elected a Democratic mayor in nearly three decades. As of December 5, over 8,700 registered Democrats had cast their ballots, compared to approximately 7,200 Republicans and around 5,000 voters with no party affiliation, totaling about 21,000 votes. The majority of these votes were submitted via mail, with about 14,000 ballots cast this way, amidst a backdrop of approximately 175,000 active eligible voters in Miami.

The Democratic candidate, Eileen Higgins, a former county commissioner, is competing against Republican Emilio González, a former city manager who has received endorsements from former President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. In the initial round of voting on November 4, Higgins secured 36 percent of the vote, while González received 19 percent.

Higgins has framed her campaign around community service, stating, "I have been a Democrat serving in a primarily Republican district, and all I have done is work for the people." In contrast, González emphasizes his military background and support for law enforcement, positioning himself as a candidate focused on public safety and tax relief.

The election is officially nonpartisan, yet the dynamics have shifted significantly, with both parties mobilizing their bases. The Democratic National Committee is backing Higgins, who has garnered attention through endorsements from prominent figures such as Pete Buttigieg, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation. Meanwhile, Republicans have organized events like the “Keep Miami Red” rally, featuring appearances by Senator Rick Scott of Florida.

This runoff election is viewed by Democrats as a critical opportunity to demonstrate voter engagement in Miami-Dade County, particularly as they prepare for the 2026 midterms, where they aim to regain influence in local and state contests. Conversely, Republicans are wary of potential losses, reflecting broader concerns about the shifting political landscape in the region.