Former Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins’ bid for Miami Mayor now has the expressed support of U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson.
On Thursday, Wilson — who has represented parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties in Washington since 2011 — added her name to the list of people and groups backing Higgins, who hopes to become Miami’s first Mayor.
“Miami’s future depends on leaders who not only care about our neighborhoods, but who can deliver real results,” Wilson said in a statement.
“As Commissioner, Eileen Higgins has done just that — building affordable housing so families have stability, investing in small businesses to create opportunity, and making our communities safer for our children to grow and thrive. I have full confidence she’ll bring that same passion and proven leadership to City Hall as Miami’s next Mayor, making life better for the people of Miami — today and for generations to come.”
The nod from Wilson adds to others from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade Commissioners Oliver Gilbert and Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami Gardens Sen. Shevrin Jones, Miami Rep. Ashley Gantt, South Miami Mayor Javier Fernández and former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber.
Labor groups like 1199SEIU, UNITE HERE Local 355, SAVE Action PAC, LiUNA Local 1652 and SEIU 32BJ have endorsed her too, as have LGBTQ and abortion rights advocacy groups Equality Florida Action PAC, EMILY’s List and Ruth’s List Florida.
Higgins said in a statement she is “deeply honored” to have Wilson’s support.
“From fighting for working families to advocating for our children’s future, Congresswoman Wilson has been a tireless and lifelong champion for our community,” she said.
“Her endorsement means so much because our shared mission is clear — to create a city that’s safe, affordable, and full of opportunity for residents and families.”
Higgins, a Democrat who resigned from the County Commission on Nov. 5 in accordance with Florida’s resign-to-run law, is competing in a Dec. 9 runoff for Miami Mayor against former City Manager Emilio González, a Republican, after neither secured more than half the votes in the city’s Nov. 4 election.
They topped 11 other candidates, with Higgins taking 36% and González capturing 19.5% of the vote, respectively.
Internal polling shows Higgins with a high likelihood of winning the runoff.
The Miami-Dade Mayor’s race is technically nonpartisan, though party politics can still play into races.
