Higgins was born in Dayton, Ohio and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico and a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University.[3]
Before entering politics, Higgins worked in international development and consulting, focusing on transportation and infrastructure projects in Latin America. She was a former Country Director of the Peace Corps in Belize and foreign services officer for the U.S. Department of State. She moved to Miami in the early 2000s, where she became active in local community and advocacy groups.[4]
Miami–Dade County Commissioner (2018–2025)
Higgins posing for a group portrait at a Miami–Dade Public Library System event
Higgins was first elected to the Miami-Dade County Commission in June 2018 during a special election to fill the seat vacated by Bruno Barreiro. She won re-election in 2022.[5]
As commissioner, Higgins has championed affordable housing, environmental sustainability, and transit expansion, including the implementation of the "Better Bus Network" and the expansion of the Metrorail and trolley systems.[6]
Among other achievements, in October 2025, Higgins presented the commission's funding for the Bay of Pigs Brigade 2506 Museum and Library in Little Havana.[7]
Higgins's 2025 mayoral campaign necessitated her resignation due to the resign to run law in Florida.
2022 congressional campaign
In May 2022, Higgins announced her candidacy for Florida's 27th congressional district.[8] However, she ended her candidacy days later citing her desire to avoid an "unnecessary" Democratic primary between Annette Taddeo and herself.[9]
In early 2025, Higgins announced her campaign for Mayor of Miami, seeking to succeed incumbent Francis X. Suarez, who was term-limited. A poll conducted between July 27 and August 1, 2025, showed Higgins with 74% name recognition and a 21-point lead over her closest rival.[10] She has been characterized as the main front-runner among candidates affiliated with the Democratic Party,[10][11] with Ken Russell being the only other Democrat among the candidates characterized as being in a competitive position per polling.
Her campaign emphasizes government transparency, housing affordability and climate resilience. She has received endorsements from several local labor and environmental groups.[12]
Prior to the first round vote, Higgins was considered one of the leading candidates in the election.[13] Higgins had a strong lead in the first round, but failed to reach a majority of the vote. She will face Emilio González in a runoff on December 9, 2025.[2] If elected, Higgins will be the first female mayor of Miami. She will also be the first Democratic mayor and the first non-Hispanic mayor since the 1990s.[1]
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
