Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava has endorsed County Commissioner Eileen Higgins for mayor of Miami. The announcement comes one day after Higgins participated in a six-person debate for the city's top job in November's election.
"Eileen Higgins delivers for the people - plain and simple. I've watched Eileen take on tough challenges and turn plans into real results: more affordable housing, smarter transit, support for businesses, and environmental action," Cava said. "Miami needs a Mayor who leads with integrity, accountability, and a clear plan to get things done. Eileen is that leader, and I’m proud to endorse her for Mayor of Miami.”
Higgins joins Emilio Gonzalez, Joe Carollo, Alex Diaz de la Portilla, Ken Russell, and Xavier Suarez as the six top polling candidates looking to succeed Mayor Francis Suarez. If successful, Higgins would become the first woman elected mayor in Miami's 128-year history.
Notably, Levine Cava was the first woman elected mayor in Miami-Dade County's 61-year history back in 2020. She also served on the County Commission with Higgins.
While the City of Miami and Miami-Dade County elections are technically nonpartisan, both Cava and Higgins are Democrats. Other Democratic affiliated candidates in the city's race include Ken Russel and Xavier Suarez, Francis Suarez's father and mayor of Miami from 1985 to 1993 and again from 1997 to 1998.
Francis Suarez, who is a Republican, has served as mayor since 2017.
Miami's three top Republican affiliated candidates are Joe Carollo, Alex Diaz de la Portilla, and Emilio Gonzalez.
Following Cava's endorsement, Gonzalez criticized Higgins in a statement released by his campaign team. Notably, Gonzalez surpassed Higgins in early fundraising figures in the mayoral race.
"It's no surprise that Mayor Danielle Levine Cava is endorsing her ally, Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins - the same commissioner who voted for a budget that left taxpayers with a $400 million hole despite record property values," Gonzalez said.
“Where did the money go? Into waste, perks, and giveaways, not into solving the real crisis families are facing. And this comes after Higgins' disastrous debate performance last night," Gonzalez continued.
The election is Nov. 4.
