Miami voters have made one thing increasingly clear over the past decade: the city is steadily moving away from progressive, nationalized politics and toward candidates who prioritize local issues, public safety, and accountability.
But former Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins appears to be moving in the opposite direction.
On Sunday, Higgins campaigned across Miami with Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego, a progressive Democrat brought in from out of state to help rescue her stagnant runoff bid for Mayor ahead of the Dec. 9 election.
Her campaign says she will focus on “restoring trust at City Hall,” yet her opponents argue that Higgins’ reliance on national Democratic figures — instead of Miami’s own civic leaders — highlights exactly why voters are turning away from her brand of politics.
A Progressive Strategy in a Post-Progressive Miami
As Miami becomes more vocal about rejecting progressive approaches on crime, spending, and governance, Higgins continues to embrace them.
Sunday’s event lineup includes early-vote stops and a phone bank, all featuring Gallego — a Senator known for his left-leaning positions that often clash with Miami’s evolving political climate.
Critics say the partnership reinforces the perception that Higgins is running a Washington-style campaign rather than one rooted in Miami’s realities.
The Race: Higgins vs. González
Higgins placed first in the Nov. 4 election with 36% of the vote, far from the majority needed to avoid a runoff. Former City Manager Emilio González, a Republican and longtime figure in Miami’s civic landscape, secured 19.5% and has since consolidated support among voters who want a City Hall that reflects the city’s shift away from progressive politics.
While Miami elections are officially nonpartisan, the contrast could not be sharper:
🔹 Higgins — backed by national Democrats, progressive groups, and now an out-of-state Senator
🔹 González — emphasizing public safety, corruption cleanup, and Miami-first governance
National Democrats See an Opportunity — Miami Voters May Not Agree
Sen. Gallego’s arrival signals a coordinated push by national Democrats to influence the direction of a city that has become a symbol of America’s post-progressive realignment. Miami has repeatedly rejected left-leaning candidates in recent cycles, instead choosing leaders who campaign on fiscal responsibility, policing, and community stability.
Whether Higgins can overcome the city’s shifting political climate — and her growing image as the progressive candidate in a decidedly non-progressive election — remains to be seen.
