Miami Prepares to Elect Its Next Mayor on November 4

What’s at Stake in the 2025 Miami Mayoral Race

On November 4, 2025, Miami voters will head to the polls to choose the city’s next mayor, marking the end of Francis Suárez’s two-term tenure. With more than a dozen candidates vying for the position, this election comes at a pivotal moment for the city.  Many things are at stake, including housing challenges, and debates over transparency in local government.

The race has already drawn attention after months of controversy over a proposal to postpone the vote, and now, all eyes are on who will take the reins of one of Florida’s most dynamic and internationally recognized cities.

Miami Mayoral Candidates

Every four years, the city of Miami holds municipal elections, giving their residents a chance to choose their major and other local officials. The current mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez was elected in 2017 and reelected in 2021, so Perez has reached his two term limit and cannot seek reelection.

Historically, voter turnout in Miami off-year municipal elections has been low compared to presidential or midterm years racing concerns about civic engagement at the local level. This is one of the reasons why this election is viewed as an important opportunity to boost participation and remind the residents that their local leadership decisions directly impact their daily lives.

Key Candidates and What to Expect

From longtime public officials to newcomers with fresh ideas, each candidate brings a different vision for how Miami should grow, govern, and respond to its biggest challenges. Here’s a look at some of the key names in the race and what they stand for.

EILEEN HIGGINS: Currently represents district 5 as a Miami Dade County commissioner, which includes parts of Little Havana and Brickell. Higgins is mostly known for her focus on community development and affordable housing. She has built her campaign around, restoring the trust in local governments and promoting transparency. She has also been a great advocate for sustainable growth and equitable access to the city resources.

Xavier Suarez: After being Miami’s first Cuban born major he’s seeking a return to the office decades after his initial term. Sorry this has been involved in local politics for a long time and brings name recognition and experience to this race. His platform focuses on stabilizing the city leadership, addressing residence concerns about the rising cost of living and improving transparency with Miami residents.

Ken Russell: As a former Miami city commissioner, Ken Russell has advocated for environmental issues, coastal resiliency, and anticorruption policies. He has centered his campaign on the concept of a "clean government". Calling for higher ethical standards in changes to limit special interest influence. He also identified housing, affordability, and climate resilience as critical challenges for Miami's future.

Emilio T González: Emilio T. González, a retired US Army colonel and former City of Miami manager, is running on a platform of experience and responsibility. He formerly oversaw the city's daily operations and has stressed his management and leadership experience. González made headlines earlier this year for opposing the city's attempt to postpone the 2025 election, a decision that was ultimately overturned in court. His effort is focused on restoring efficiency and ethical government.

The 2025 election comes at a critical time for Miami, as the city faces rapid growth, rising rents, and the increasing effects of climate change. Affordable housing remains a top concern for voters, along with calls for cleaner government and stronger oversight at City Hall. Candidates are also under pressure to address infrastructure challenges such as flooding and transportation as both the city’s population and tourism continue to rise. The outcome of this race could shape how Miami balances economic development with the needs of its communities. With so many urgent issues on the line, voter turnout and participation may ultimately determine the direction of the city’s future.

Voting and Logistics

Miami citizens should be prepared to vote on November 4, 2025, with early voting accessible in many places throughout the city in the weeks leading up to the election. To vote, residents must bring a valid photo ID that includes their signature. In addition to picking a mayor, voters will see special referendum questions on the ballot, allowing them to express their opinions on local administration and city policy.

Checking voter registration ahead of time and knowing your polling location will help ensure a smooth Election Day experience. Check your information and referendum questions on the ballot here: https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Elections and https://www.miamidade.gov/global/elections/home.page 

This election is a pivotal moment for Miami, as the next mayor will guide the city through growth, housing challenges, and key infrastructure decisions. Voter participation will be crucial in shaping the direction of local government and addressing the needs of the community. By casting their ballots, residents have the power to influence policies that affect daily life and the city’s long-term future.

This election is critical for Miami because the next mayor will lead the city through expansion, housing issues, and important infrastructure decisions. Voter participation will be critical in determining the direction of local government and meeting the demands of  Miami locals. Residents have the ability to influence policies that affect their daily lives as well as the city's long-term development via voting. See you at the polls!