The election of Eileen Higgins as Miami's new mayor marks a significant shift in the city's political landscape, signaling the end of a conservative era and the start of a leadership focused on administrative efficiency, social justice, and most importantly, the protection of the immigrant community.
Winning 59% of the vote in a runoff against Republican Emilio González, Higgins becomes the first woman, the first Democrat in nearly three decades, and the first non-Hispanic to hold the office since the 1990s. Her victory, driven by immigrant support and dissatisfaction with policies from figures like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, has been heralded as historic.
A Bold Stance on Immigration
In a city where approximately 70% of residents are Hispanic or Latino, immigration policy is a daily concern for thousands of families. Throughout her campaign and following her victory, Higgins openly criticized the 287(g) agreement, previously signed between Miami and federal immigration authorities, which allowed local police to act as ICE agents.
In a recent interview with Telemundo, Higgins stated, "The city should never have signed that agreement." She added, "There's no reason for Miami's police department to perform the duties of federal immigration authorities." These statements represent a clear departure from the approach of her predecessors and align with her promise to create an inclusive and protective city where immigrants do not live in fear of arbitrary detention or deportation over minor administrative issues.
Addressing the Housing Crisis
Beyond immigration, Higgins has highlighted one of Miami's most pressing crises: the lack of affordable housing. In her victory speech, she criticized bureaucratic delays and inadequate planning. "Currently, it takes two years to get permits for building, say, a hundred affordable or workforce housing units. It shouldn't take longer to obtain permits than to build the project," she noted.
Her strategy includes identifying public lands for affordable housing projects and ensuring urban planning policies address workers' needs rather than just benefiting major developers. Higgins also envisions a more efficient city hall where residents are treated as valued customers deserving of quality services.
A Unique Profile: Engineer, Diplomat, and Manager
Born in Ohio, raised in Albuquerque, and settled in Miami for years, Eileen Higgins does not fit the traditional mold of a local politician. With a mechanical engineering degree from the University of New Mexico and an MBA from Cornell, her career has been marked by international development, bilateral cooperation, and diplomacy. She served in the State Department and led the Peace Corps office in Belize.
These experiences shaped her public management vision based on urban planning, efficiency, and human development, the cornerstones of her electoral platform. In her own words, "It's a big responsibility. I know people expect a lot from the city of Miami, and I promise to work hard every day."
Before becoming mayor, Higgins served as a commissioner for the district including Little Havana, a bastion of conservative Cuban-American voters. Her election there was initially seen as an anomaly, but over time she became a respected figure committed to residents' needs regardless of their immigration status. Many in the community affectionately refer to her as "La Gringa," a nickname that reflects the fondness and familiarity she has cultivated in a historically exclusive environment.
A Symbol of Change in a Pivotal City
Higgins's election comes at a time of national tension over immigration policies and increasing authoritarianism in certain sectors. Her victory adds to a series of Democratic wins across various states, reinforcing the idea that the Hispanic vote is not monolithic and can shift based on real community interests rather than inherited political identity.
At 61, Eileen Higgins steps into the role with a platform combining ethical firmness, technical expertise, and social sensitivity. While her executive powers may be limited—the mayor's role in Miami is more symbolic than decisive in some respects—her leadership has already reshaped the local political landscape.
She expressed it clearly: "Miami chose a new direction. Competence instead of chaos. Results instead of excuses. A city that works for everyone." Her term has just begun, but Higgins's emergence already marks a watershed moment for Miami. The challenge now is to turn her promises of inclusion, dignity, and efficiency into tangible realities for the hundreds of thousands of immigrants and workers who chose her as their advocate and voice.
Key Questions on Miami's New Leadership
What is Eileen Higgins's stance on immigration?
Eileen Higgins opposes the involvement of local police in federal immigration enforcement, criticizing agreements like 287(g) that allow such practices. She advocates for an inclusive city where immigrants can live without fear of arbitrary detention or deportation.
How does Higgins plan to address Miami's housing crisis?
Higgins intends to expedite the permitting process for affordable housing, utilize public lands for such projects, and ensure urban planning policies prioritize workers' needs over developers' interests.
What makes Eileen Higgins's leadership unique?
With a background in engineering, diplomacy, and international development, Higgins brings a unique perspective to public management, focusing on urban planning, efficiency, and human development.