Miami Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins is at a political crossroads. To qualify for the City of Miami’s mayoral race, she must file an irrevocable letter of resignation from her District 5 seat no later than August 26. As of now, Commissioner Higgins has not submitted that letter, leaving voters and political observers questioning whether she is serious about her bid or simply testing the waters.
Commissioner Higgins was reelected to District 5 just last year and still has three years left in her term. Her hesitation has fueled criticism that she is more concerned with securing her own future than giving voters clarity. Critics call it a career politician move, using the safety of an incumbent seat to campaign and fundraise while avoiding the accountability of stepping down.
Florida’s Resign to Run law (§99.012, F.S.) requires an irrevocable resignation at least 10 days before the first day of qualifying for a new office if terms overlap. For the City of Miami’s 2025 election, the qualifying window runs September 5 through September 20, making August 26 the last possible date for Commissioner Higgins to file. The resignation must also set an effective date no later than the swearing in of the new office or the successor taking office.
If Commissioner Higgins resigns, it could trigger a special election to fill her County Commission seat, or the Miami Dade County Commission could appoint a temporary replacement. The County Charter gives the Board 30 days to appoint. If no appointment is made, a special election must be held within 90 days. Resigning now would allow District 5 voters to pick their next commissioner during the November 2025 elections.
This decision comes as frustration grows with political maneuvering in both Miami and Miami Dade. Earlier this year, Miami commissioners attempted to cancel the 2025 mayoral and commission elections altogether, effectively denying voters the chance to choose their leaders. Courts ruled the move unconstitutional, but the episode deepened mistrust. On the County side, commissioners recently avoided a special election in District 6 after Kevin Cabrera vacated his seat, opting to appoint a replacement instead.
If Commissioner Higgins does resign, speculation is already swirling over who could run for her seat. The most talked about name is former City of Miami Commissioner and Republican Joe Sanchez, who recently ran for Miami Dade Sheriff.
The August 26 deadline is fast approaching. Commissioner Higgins cannot avoid the choice much longer. Whether she steps down now or hedges her bets, her decision will signal whether she intends to run a campaign built on accountability or on political calculation.
