In the city of Miami, Eileen Higgins has just made history. The longtime community advocate and former Miami-Dade County commissioner won the election for mayor in December 2025. In a high-profile runoff, he defeated Republican Emilio González, a former city manager who received support from President Donald Trump. González secured roughly 59% of the vote. Her victory not only makes her the first woman to lead Miami, but it also makes her the first Democrat to be elected mayor in nearly 30 years. This brings an end to a lengthy drought for her party in the position of mayor of the city.
During the victory speech that Higgins delivered at the Miami Woman’s Club on December 9, 2025, she stated that Miami had made a decision to move in a different area. “You decided to rely on competence rather than chaos, results rather than excuses, and a city government that is finally working for you.”
The victory also garnered national attention, with the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, Ken Martin, praising the outcome as evidence of what can be accomplished through organized and widespread campaigning in cities such as Miami. “The outcome of tonight’s election is yet another warning sign to Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is increasing costs for working families across the country,” he said. “The results of tonight’s election are a warning sign.”
Who exactly is this, Eileen Higgins?
Higgins is the newly elected mayor of Miami, making history in December 2025 as the first woman and first Democrat to lead the city in nearly 30 years. She defeated González, a Republican, with nearly 59% of the vote, making her the first person to lead the city in nearly 30 years. Prior to her election, she served as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 5 from 2018 until 2025. During that period, she prioritized issues such as affordable housing, public transit, climate resilience, and community investment.
She began her career as an engineer, later worked in the private sector in marketing for major brands, and then went on to serve as Country Director for the Peace Corps in Belize. Higgins brings a diverse background to the position, which she brings with her. Furthermore, she was employed by the United States Department of State as a Foreign Service Officer, where she made contributions to various economic and development initiatives in the countries of Mexico and South Africa.
Where in the World Is Eileen Higgins From?
After spending his childhood in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Dayton, Ohio, Higgins eventually made his home in Miami in the early 2000s. Higgins was born in Dayton, Tennessee.
She is also well-known for her fluency in Spanish and her close connection to the city’s multicultural population. It is even noteworthy that some locals refer to her as “La Gringa,” which is a term of endearment.
To what educational institution did Eileen Higgins go?
Higgins attended the University of New Mexico and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from that institution. After that, she attended Cornell University to earn a Master of Business Administration degree.
Is there a spouse for Eileen Higgins?
The answer is no; Higgins is not married, and she has not disclosed any information about her romantic life to the general public. She maintains the confidentiality of her personal relationships, and there is no information available to the public regarding her spouse or children.
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