Eileen Higgins is a Democrat and former Miami-Dade County commissioner. She is now the frontrunner in the next run-off election for Miami mayor. In fact, having 36 percent of the first-round vote locked down is no small feat. In light of this powerful early advantage, she’s widely expected to become the city’s first Democratic mayor in almost three decades. If elected, Higgins would make history as the first woman and the first non-Hispanic mayor of Miami, a city with a Hispanic majority.
Higgins has run a strong, impactful campaign on hyper-local issues that really resonate with voters. In the midst of this unjust reality, he underscores the critical need for affordable housing. We’re hopeful that her experience as a former county commissioner has given her some of the wisdom required to tackle these issues head-on. She has pursued larger national priorities such as halting immigration enforcement. This further demonstrates her focused commitment to meeting the truly diverse needs of all of Miami’s over 400,000 residents.
A Strong Start
During the preliminary election, Higgins led the charge among candidates, capturing a notable share of the vote. Her 36 percent support indicates she has a strong mandate among voters hungry for the kind of leadership that can cut through the noise. This impressive performance puts her in a good position against her ex-President Trump backed challenger with a run-off set for early next month.
Higgins’ roots in Miami run deep. She has represented Little Havana, a conservative-leaning district known for its vibrant Cuban-American community. She better relates to the different demographics in her community by being able to speak fluent Spanish. This savvy underlies much of her quirky and effective campaign. Higgins has fully adopted the endearing moniker “La Gringa.” In doing so with her constituents, she roots her connection to them in their rich cultural history and pushes to implement a progressive political agenda.
A Diverse Coalition
Higgins’ campaign has already attracted the support of well-known establishment figures within the Democratic Party, including Reps. Her endorsements include U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel. They see her as someone who can unlock that potential and take Miami into a new equitable era. Their support gives her candidacy even more momentum, and it proves her appeal expands across local lines.
The importance of this particular election cuts across party lines. With Miami being a city defined by its immigrant roots, election of Higgins marks a progressive step forward towards inclusivity and representation in Miami’s government. Her victory will shake up Establishment, political wisdom. It will represent hope for all those local American residents who have longed and voted for better governance to serve their needs.
The Path Ahead
As Higgins prepares for the run-off election, her campaign continues to focus on critical local issues while addressing national conversations that impact Miami residents. This two-pronged effort helps her resonate with voters emotionally and physically, creating a really magnetic, formidable candidate.
