Miami hasn’t elected a Democrat as mayor in nearly three decades, but early voting and mail-ballot returns in next week’s runoff show Democrats turning out in significant numbers as they try to break the city’s long Republican streak.   

Newsweek has reached out to the Democratic and Republican candidates for comment via email on Sunday.

Why It Matters

While not Florida’s largest city, Miami is considered the cultural and economic center of South Florida, drawing global crowds this week for Art Basel Miami Beach, alongside a major base of international business, diplomacy, tourism and pro sports events, such as FIFA World Cup matches and the G20 summit next year.

The city has had a string of Republican mayors in recent years, with Francis Suarez, the current mayor, having been in office since 2017. President Donald Trump has close business and personal ties to Florida. He has carried the state in all three of his presidential runs, won Miami-Dade County in 2024, but lost the city narrowly, and often frequents his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach.

The Miami mayoral runoff is one of the final major contests before the 2026 midterms. Democrats, who performed poorly last November, have been gaining ground in several gubernatorial, mayoral, and special elections, including closing in on a Tennessee race in a district Trump previously won by 22 points.

What To Know

Early voting in the runoff election commenced on December 5 and ends on Sunday, with election day to take place on December 9.

Early voting and vote-by-mail data show more than 8,700 registered Democrats had cast ballots as of Sunday afternoon, compared with nearly 7,200 Republicans and about 5,000 voters with no party affiliation, for a total of about 21,000 votes cast. A large majority of the votes were cast via mail, about 14,000. The city of Miami says there are around 175,000 active eligible voters.

Democrats have put forth former county commissioner Eileen Higgins, in a match up against Republican Emilio González, a Trump-endorsed former city manager. In the November 4 race, Higgins secured 36 percent of the vote, and González, who came in second, won 19 percent. Higgins would be the first Democrat and first non-Hispanic mayor of the city in nearly 30 years.

What People Are Saying

Eileen Higgins told the Associated Press: “I have been a Democrat serving in a primarily Republican district, and all I have done is work for the people.”

Evan Power, chair of the Republican Party of Florida, told Politico earlier this month: “It’s a tough district…My expectation is, it probably doesn’t perform for Republicans, but we have to do what we have to do, fight in every place.”

Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin told Politico: “The energy is on Democrats’ side and the DNC is all-in support Eileen Higgins from now until Election Day.”

Christian Ulvert, Higgins’ campaign manager, told the Associated Press: “What you’re seeing is great Democratic enthusiasm and turnout that matches that enthusiasm.”

President Donald Trump said in a November 16 Truth Social post: “It is my Great Honor to endorse Emilio T. Gonzales to be the next Mayor of the Beautiful City of Miami, Florida! A very successful Businessman, Civic Leader, former CEO of Miami International Airport, and former City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Miami, Emilio has dedicated his life to serving his Community. As the former Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, and a brave U.S. Army Veteran, Emilio strongly supports our incredible Law Enforcement, Military, and Veterans, and knows the Wisdom and Courage it takes to ensure LAW AND ORDER. As Miami’s next Mayor, he will fight tirelessly to Grow the Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Advance MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said in a September endorsement of González: “With 26 years of military service and experience at both federal and local levels, Emilio has shown his commitment to our nation and Miami. When local officials tried to cancel the election and extend their own terms, a clear violation of term limits, Emilio stepped up and stopped them in court five times. Emilio is committed to providing property tax relief, strengthening public safety, and reducing government red tape.”

What Happens Next?

Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 pm. on Tuesday, with the city reporting election results will start being posted online at approximately 7:15 p.m.