MIAMI (AP) — Democrat Eileen Higgins' victory in the Miami mayoral race represents a crucial setback for Republican President Donald Trump, who endorsed her opponent and has claimed significant support from Hispanic voters in the region. Higgins, who is set to become Miami’s first female mayor, decisively won over Trump’s pick, Emilio Gonzalez, by approximately 19 points, indicating a potential shift in local voter sentiments.
In her new role, Higgins plans to explore legal avenues to unwind an agreement with the federal government that allows local police to enforce immigration laws. At a recent press conference, she stated, 'We need to look at all our legal options to ensure that our city police work for our neighborhoods and not on checking residents’ papers.'
Higgins has criticized Trump's approaches to immigration, although her rhetoric is notably more measured compared to her counterparts in other major cities. Reflecting on her victory, she highlighted a growing sense of fear and frustration among voters regarding their government, a sentiment she had not encountered in previous campaigns. 'This is the first election where residents express not only frustration but also fear,' she said.
Higgins articulated her commitment to economic concerns, particularly affordability, stating, 'When I hear what the residents have to say about affordability, it’s real.' She pointed out the negative consequences of stringent immigration policies, including job losses that affect local healthcare providers and families.
As Miami considers becoming home to Trump’s presidential library, Higgins has expressed skepticism, labeling it a 'land giveaway.' The future of this proposal remains in question as legal challenges unfold.
Moreover, Higgins will oversee preparations for next year’s G20 summit in Miami, signaling the city's growing international significance. She faces the challenge of governing in a politically polarized environment, with Trump previously entangled in confrontations with various city leaders across the country. However, Higgins remains steadfast, proclaiming in Spanish, 'I am not scared of him, at all.'
In her new role, Higgins plans to explore legal avenues to unwind an agreement with the federal government that allows local police to enforce immigration laws. At a recent press conference, she stated, 'We need to look at all our legal options to ensure that our city police work for our neighborhoods and not on checking residents’ papers.'
Higgins has criticized Trump's approaches to immigration, although her rhetoric is notably more measured compared to her counterparts in other major cities. Reflecting on her victory, she highlighted a growing sense of fear and frustration among voters regarding their government, a sentiment she had not encountered in previous campaigns. 'This is the first election where residents express not only frustration but also fear,' she said.
Higgins articulated her commitment to economic concerns, particularly affordability, stating, 'When I hear what the residents have to say about affordability, it’s real.' She pointed out the negative consequences of stringent immigration policies, including job losses that affect local healthcare providers and families.
As Miami considers becoming home to Trump’s presidential library, Higgins has expressed skepticism, labeling it a 'land giveaway.' The future of this proposal remains in question as legal challenges unfold.
Moreover, Higgins will oversee preparations for next year’s G20 summit in Miami, signaling the city's growing international significance. She faces the challenge of governing in a politically polarized environment, with Trump previously entangled in confrontations with various city leaders across the country. However, Higgins remains steadfast, proclaiming in Spanish, 'I am not scared of him, at all.'
