Several of Miami-Dade’s most prominent Jewish elected leaders are lining up behind Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins’ bid for Miami Mayor.
U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, former Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber, and Miami-Dade County School Board member and former state Rep. Joe Geller are joining Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava — the county’s first Jewish Mayor — in backing Higgins. All are Democrats.
Wasserman Schultz said Higgins “has proven, time and again, that she is the leader Miami needs.”
“She has delivered for residents, families, and small business owners — building affordable housing, improving transit, protecting Biscayne Bay, and cutting through bureaucracy for the people she served on the County Commission,” Wasserman Schultz said of Higgins.
“Eileen leads with integrity, results, and an unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. I’m proud to endorse her for Mayor because she has earned our community’s trust through her actions, not just her words, and I know she will bring the same principled, people-first leadership to City Hall.”
Geller pointed to Higgins’ record as a sign she can bring steadiness to City Hall.
“Miami’s City Hall needs stability, professionalism, and results-driven leadership — and that’s exactly what Eileen Higgins brings to every role she takes on,” Geller said.
“Eileen is a serious, hardworking public servant who has earned the respect of people across this community because she delivers on her word. Miamians will be better off with her leadership, and I’m proud to endorse her for Mayor.”
Gelber echoed that theme, arguing that restoring trust in the Miami government requires an experienced hand.
“I’ve spent my career in public service and the law, and I know the kind of steady, ethical leadership it takes to restore trust in government. Eileen Higgins has shown that leadership time and again — delivering affordable housing, growing our local economy, and making government more accountable to the people,” Gelber said.
“Miami needs a Mayor who has both the courage to take on corruption and the ability to get real results for residents. That’s why I’m proud to support Eileen — she’s exactly the kind of principled leader the City of Miami deserves.”
Higgins said she was “humbled” by the support from these officials.
“They have long stood for justice, transparency, and protecting the most vulnerable among us — values I have carried with me throughout my life,” Higgins said.
“At a time when Miami deserves honest leadership and a City Hall focused on the safety, prosperity, and well-being of our residents, their endorsement means a great deal. As Mayor, I will work every day to rebuild trust and deliver meaningful progress for every family in Miami.”
The latest endorsements add to a growing list of unions, advocacy groups, newspapers and elected officials backing Higgins.
That includes U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, 1199SEIU, SEIU 32BJ, AFSCME Local 1907, UNITE HERE Local 355, SAVE Action PAC and LiUNA Local 1652. LGBTQ advocacy groups Equality Florida Action PAC and EMILY’s List, and abortion rights organization Ruth’s List Florida.
Higgins is competing against former City Manager Emilio González in the Dec. 9 runoff.
González carries endorsements from prominent Republicans — including Gov. Ron DeSantis.