With just hours remaining before Miami voters cast their decisive ballots, the city’s two mayoral candidates made their final appeals in what has become a closely watched runoff election that will determine the Magic City’s leadership for the next four years.
The December 9th runoff pits two experienced public servants against each other: retired Colonel Emilio González, who previously served as Miami’s city manager, and Eileen Higgins, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner. Both candidates spent the weekend making last-minute pushes to energize their supporters and persuade undecided voters.
The campaign’s final stretch follows three days of early voting from December 5 through December 7, which saw steady turnout as Miami residents took advantage of expanded voting opportunities. Mail-in ballots have also been flowing into election offices, though final tallies won’t be available until polls close on election day.
González brings a unique blend of military leadership and municipal management experience to his campaign. His tenure as city manager provided him with intimate knowledge of Miami’s operational challenges, from infrastructure needs to budget constraints. The retired colonel has emphasized his administrative expertise and steady leadership style throughout the campaign.
Higgins, meanwhile, leverages her experience as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, where she developed a reputation for tackling regional issues that directly impact Miami residents. Her campaign has focused on bringing fresh perspectives to city hall while drawing on her proven track record of public service at the county level.
The runoff became necessary after neither candidate secured a majority in the initial election, reflecting the competitive nature of Miami’s political landscape. Both campaigns have worked intensively to build coalitions across the city’s diverse neighborhoods, recognizing that voter turnout will likely determine the outcome.
Miami voters face a clear choice between two distinct approaches to city leadership. The winner will inherit a city grappling with ongoing challenges including housing affordability, infrastructure modernization, and economic development, while also capitalizing on Miami’s growing status as an international business hub.
As election day dawns, both campaigns expressed confidence in their ground operations and voter outreach efforts. The results will not only determine Miami’s next mayor but could also signal broader trends in South Florida politics as the region continues to evolve demographically and economically.
Polls are expected to remain open throughout the day, with results anticipated to begin flowing in shortly after closing time. Given the competitive nature of the race, election officials are preparing for the possibility of a long night as votes are tallied across Miami’s precincts.
