Eileen Higgins is an American public leader known for her work in Miami. She became the first woman mayor of the city in 2025. Her life shows strong dedication, hard work, and a deep love for community service.
Early Life
Eileen Higgins was born around 1963 or 1964 in Dayton, Ohio. Her family later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She grew up in a simple working-class home. Her parents always pushed her to study and build a better future.
She went to the University of New Mexico and earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Later, she completed an MBA from Cornell University. These studies helped her build strong skills in problem-solving, leadership, and business.
After college, Eileen worked on big projects in Latin America. She helped build roads, transport systems, and other structures that helped local communities.
In 2006, she became the leader of the Peace Corps in Belize. She worked with local groups to build stronger communities.
She later joined the U.S. State Department as a foreign service officer. Her duties took her to Mexico, South Africa, and Namibia. She worked on economic growth and community needs.
After returning to the United States, Eileen worked in marketing for companies like Pfizer and Jose Cuervo. In the early 2000s, she moved to Miami. She joined local groups to help neighborhoods, support small businesses, and improve community services. Her global experience and local work prepared her for a future in politics.
Career Path
Eileen’s political career began in 2018. She won a special election for Miami-Dade County Commission District 5. She replaced Bruno Barreiro. Voters liked her new ideas and practical style. She won again in 2022 and in 2024 without any opponent.
By late 2025, she had served more than seven years, becoming the longest-serving commissioner. She stepped down in November 2025 to run for mayor, as required by Florida rules.
As commissioner, Eileen worked on real problems that affected people every day. She supported affordable housing, helping build or plan nearly 7,000 units in her district.
She gave almost $3 million in grants to small businesses, helping them recover during hard times.
She improved transit by redesigning bus routes, adding trolleys, expanding Metrorail, and supporting The Underline, a long park and trail under the tracks.
Eileen also cared about the environment. She passed strong fertilizer rules to stop algae in Biscayne Bay, banned single-use plastics in county purchases, and supported planting one million trees.
She funded police and emergency workers to help make neighborhoods safer.
Rise to Mayor
In early 2025, Eileen announced she would run for mayor after Francis Suarez reached his term limit. Polls showed she was well known, with 74% name recognition. She collected 3,000 signatures to get on the ballot, showing grassroots support.
Her campaign focused on simple goals:
- Make it easier to build homes and open businesses
- Reduce government delays
- Improve transit
- Prepare the city for climate challenges
- Support police and first responders
- Make government honest and open
Labor unions and environmental groups supported her.
The November election did not give any candidate over 50%, so the race went to a runoff on December 9, 2025.
Eileen won with 59% of the vote against Republican Emilio Gonzalez.
Her win ended 28 years of Republican leadership. She became Miami’s first female mayor, the first Democrat since 1997, and the first non-Hispanic mayor in many years. She plans to focus on trust, safety, and economic growth.
Achievements
- Supported over 4,500 affordable housing units in District 5.
- Created the $25 million RISE fund to help small businesses recover.
- Led major improvements in bus routes and walkable areas.
- Backed bike lanes and safer streets.
- Passed strong fertilizer rules to protect Biscayne Bay.
- Banned styrofoam and single-use plastics in county purchases.
- Honored local history, including funding a Bay of Pigs museum in 2025.
- Recognized for her transport work in 2023.
- Known for her data-driven decisions and direct communication style.
Family and Personal Life
Eileen keeps her personal life private. Reports say she is single and does not have children. She prefers to focus on public work and avoids media questions about her personal life.
Most of her Instagram posts are about her community projects and city work.
Her height, weight, religion, and net worth are not public.
She is a white American with Midwestern roots.
Her net worth is not known, but it likely comes from her government salary and past work in the private sector.
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Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | About 61–62 (born ~1963/1964) |
| Height & Weight | Not public |
| Ethnicity | White American |
| Religion | Not disclosed |
| Family | Single, no children |
| Net Worth | Not known |
| Key Achievement | First female Mayor of Miami |