Former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins capped an historic election run Tuesday night, becoming the first woman, the first non-Hispanic since the ’90s, and the first Democrat to win the City of Miami mayoral post in nearly 30 years.

“Well, we did it!” Higgins told supporters in a celebratory Miami Woman’s Club ballroom.

“This isn’t just a celebration, but also a promise because Miami is facing real challenges and tonight marks the beginning of the work ahead,” she said.

Higgins, 61, cruised to victory, collecting 22,142 votes (59.46%) against Republican Emilio T. Gonzalez, a former city manager, who had 15,097 votes (40.54%).

A total of 37,496 (of the 175,692 registered voters) ballots were cast, 21.34% for the turnout.

Higgins, an eight-year Commission member, will be sworn in as the first Democratic mayor since 1997, when Xavier Suarez, the father of the outgoing incumbent, Francis Suarez, a Republican, was elected.

A total of 13 candidates had entered the primary election, which was also won by Higgins with 36% of the votes.

“Our city chose a new direction,” Higgins said. “You chose competence over chaos, results over excuses, and a city government that finally works for you.”

During her role as County Commissioner, Higgins was a strong supporter of affordable housing, sought a review of spending procedures, was not a big fan how immigration was being handled, and fully supported environmental cleanup efforts.

“No more endless delays for families trying to fix a home or small business trying to open,” Higgins said. “We will cut red tape, repair what’s broken, and modernize City Hall.

“We will confront the affordability crisis with the urgency Miami families need. We will make our streets safer by supporting law enforcement and strengthening community partnerships. We will protect Biscayne Bay.”

One thing she might do, reportedly, is expand the City Commission from five members to nine so more communities can be better represented.

Miami, home to approximately 487,000 people, attracts millions of tourists and is considered the gateway to Latin America. Higgins will preside as the FIFA World Cup comes to South Florida next year.

Meanwhile, in the race for the Miami Commission District 3 seat, Rolando Escalona defeated Frank Carollo 3,656-3,229 (or 53.10%-46.90%).