On Thursday, Eileen Higgins took the oath of office as Miami's mayor, making history as both the first woman and the first Democrat to assume this role in over twenty years.
The inauguration was held at the downtown campus auditorium of Miami Dade College, filled with enthusiastic supporters, elected officials, and local political figures.
Juan Fernández-Barquín, the Clerk of the Miami-Dade County Court, administered the oath. Higgins was joined by her parents and received a hearty standing ovation from those present.
Prominent attendees included Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, outgoing Miami Mayor Francis Suárez, the five city commissioners, and several of Higgins' former colleagues from the County Commission.
In her inaugural speech, Higgins emphasized the core message of her campaign. "You chose competence over corruption, leadership over distraction, and public service over political stagnation," she declared.
She pledged to transform this vision into actionable and measurable outcomes. "My task now is to honor your choices and translate this vision into reality with determination: a city defined not by what we say, but by what we do," she asserted.
Higgins called for unity, addressing those who did not support her candidacy. "I’m here to serve everyone," she stated.
She stressed that Miami must work for every resident, regardless of their background, language, beliefs, political preferences, or where they live. "The diversity of our community is our strength," she expressed.
At 61, Higgins secured her position after winning the December 9 election with nearly 60% of the vote against Republican Emilio González, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
While Miami's municipal elections are officially nonpartisan, her victory ended a 24-year streak without a Democrat in the mayor's office, a tenure that began with Manny Díaz in 2001.
Beyond being the first woman, Higgins is also the first non-Hispanic to lead Miami's city government, a city predominantly Latino.
Her victory is seen as a significant political shift in South Florida and indicates a dynamic change in the region's electoral landscape.
During the ceremony and in previous statements, Higgins reiterated her focus on reforming a city government she claims has been plagued by chaos and internal conflicts.
Key issues on her agenda include increasing the availability of affordable housing and overhauling the city's problematic permit system, which has been a source of complaints from both residents and business owners.
"We must operate as the government of one of the world's most renowned cities," she stated last week, emphasizing the need to enhance the municipal administration's efficiency and credibility.
Higgins will govern alongside a mostly new and inexperienced City Commission.
Following the recent elections, Christine King is the most senior commissioner, beginning her second term. Rolando Escalona unexpectedly won District 3 against former commissioner Frank Carollo; Ralph Rosado, an urban planner with no prior public office experience, joined after a special election in June; and Miguel Ángel Gabela and Damián Pardo are in the midst of their first terms.
Politically, Higgins' entrance into city hall coincides with the Democratic leadership of Daniella Levine Cava in Miami-Dade County, marking an unprecedented moment of female leadership in South Florida's key local government positions.
Before her time as a county commissioner, Higgins served in the U.S. Foreign Service from 2009 to 2012. During this period, she was a staff assistant to the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico and later oversaw Economic and Energy Affairs for South Africa and Namibia.
Throughout her campaign and as mayor-elect, Higgins has voiced her opposition to the 287(g) agreement signed by the Miami Commission with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which allows local police to assist in federal immigration enforcement. This remains a contentious issue in the city's political discourse.
"When we unite, when we share this city and respect one another, our opportunities are limitless," Higgins remarked during her speech at Miami-Dade College.
With her swearing-in, a new chapter begins in Miami politics, bringing expectations of change in one of the most iconic cities in the United States.
Key Questions About Miami's Political Shift
What makes Eileen Higgins' election significant?
Eileen Higgins' election is significant as she is the first woman and first Democrat in over two decades to become mayor of Miami, indicating a major political shift and evolving electoral landscape in the region.
What are the main priorities for Mayor Higgins?
Mayor Higgins has prioritized increasing affordable housing, reforming the city's permit system, and unifying the community to overcome political stagnation and internal chaos within the government.
How is the new City Commission expected to perform?
The new City Commission, composed mostly of newcomers, will work alongside Mayor Higgins to improve efficiency and credibility in Miami's administration, despite having limited experience.