In a historic election, Eileen Higgins has become the first woman ever to be elected mayor of Miami. The former Miami-Dade County Commissioner secured a decisive victory in Tuesday's runoff election, garnering 59% of the vote against Republican Emilio T. González, a former city manager. With this win, Higgins breaks a nearly 30-year Republican hold on the city's top office and becomes the first Democrat to serve as mayor since 1997.
Higgins' victory marks a significant turning point for Miami, signaling a potential shift in the city's political landscape. For decades, Miami politics have been heavily influenced by Cuban American Republicans. In addition to being the city's first female mayor, Higgins is also the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s.
Who is Eileen Higgins?
Eileen Higgins, born in Ohio in 1963 or 1964, brings a diverse background to the mayor's office. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Cornell University. Before entering politics, Higgins worked in international development and consulting, focusing on transportation and infrastructure projects in Latin America. She also served as a Director with the Peace Corps in Belize in 2006 and later as a foreign service officer for the U.S. State Department in Mexico and South Africa.
Higgins' political career began in 2018 when she won a special election for a seat on the Miami-Dade County Commission. As a commissioner for District 5, she championed initiatives focused on affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and public transit. Her key achievements include the implementation of the "Better Bus Network" and the expansion of the Metrorail and trolley systems. Higgins also ran for Florida's 27th congressional district in May 2022.
Fluent in Spanish, Higgins is also known by the nickname "La Gringa". She relinquished her county office to run for Miami mayor.
A Campaign Focused on Local Issues
While the mayoral race was technically nonpartisan, the political affiliations of the candidates were clear. Higgins, a Democrat, received support from prominent figures within the Democratic Party, while Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, endorsed González. Despite the national attention, Higgins emphasized local issues throughout her campaign. She pledged to address the city's lack of affordable housing, high property taxes, and corruption in City Hall. Higgins also promised to focus on climate resilience and finding city-owned land for affordable housing.
"Tonight, the people of Miami made history," Higgins said in a statement following her victory. "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".
Looking Ahead
Higgins' victory is seen as a significant win for Democrats, providing fresh momentum for the party. As mayor, Higgins aims to lead a government that "works for everyone," focusing on safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, clean parks, and thriving small businesses. She has also pledged to restore trust in City Hall and address the challenges facing Miami residents.
"This isn't just a celebration but also a promise because Miami is facing real challenges, and tonight marks the beginning of the work ahead," Higgins stated.
