NEW YORK, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Democratic candidate Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral race Tuesday night, marking the first time a Democrat has won the office in nearly three decades, according to preliminary election results and projections from multiple U.S. media.

Higgins, a former Miami-Dade County commissioner, secured 59 percent of the vote, while Republican Emilio Gonzalez, a businessman and former city manager endorsed by President Donald Trump, garnered 41 percent, according to unofficial results from the Miami-Dade County Supervisor of Elections.

Higgins will also become the city's first female mayor and the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s.

"Tonight, the people of Miami made history. Together, we turned the page on years of chaos and corruption and opened the door to a new era for our city -- one defined by ethical, accountable leadership that delivers real results for the people," Higgins said in a statement Tuesday night.

Gonzalez's campaign confirmed that the Republican conceded following the election results.

During their campaigns, both candidates centered on issues such as immigration, housing, economic growth, and the type of leadership Miami needs.

The race attracted increased national attention in the final weeks, particularly after Democrats made a flurry of victories in recent elections, including the New Jersey and Virginia gubernatorial races, New York City's mayoral election and a redistricting referendum in California.

Miami, with about half a million people, is Florida's second-largest city by population. Like the state, Miami has become more Republican over the past few election cycles.

Higgins' win signals a shift in Miami's political landscape and gives Democrats another boost in the battles ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. ■