Eileen Higgins nabs expected Frederica Wilson endorsement for Miami mayor

Well, it looks like Eileen Higgins just added a very shiny feather to her hat — and you know Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has plenty to choose from.
The beloved bedazzled-hat-wearing congresswoman, who represents much of the city in Washington, officially endorsed Higgins for Miami mayor Monday, calling her “a proven leader who delivers real results.”
In campaign-speak, that means: Frederica thinks the Miami-Dade commissioner can actually win the Dec. 9 runoff against former City Manager Emilio Gonzalez.
Read related:Eileen and Emilio headed to Miami mayoral runoff as voters end the circus
And, sure, this endorsement may seem pretty predictable in a full-blown partisan race, but it is also the kind of nod that matters. Not just because Frederica Wilson is a respected voice with deep roots in Liberty City and across Miami’s Black community — and Higgins won 48% of the black vote compared to Gonzalez’ 3% in the first round Nov. 4 — but also because it signals that the Democratic establishment all the way to Capitol Hill is circling the wagons around La Gringa.
“Miami’s future depends on leaders who not only care about our neighborhoods, but who can deliver real results,” Wilson said in her statement, praising Higgins for building affordable housing, investing in small businesses, and making communities safer for kids. “I have full confidence she’ll bring that same passion and proven leadership to City Hall.
Read related: Eileen Higgins heads into partisan Miami mayoral runoff with momentum
Higgins, of course, returned the love with all the right words about shared values and admiration for Wilson’s long fight for families and children. “Her endorsement means so much because our shared mission is clear — to create a city that’s safe, affordable, and full of opportunity,” Higgins said.
The list of heavy hitters behind Higgins is getting longer than a Miami traffic light: Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Commissioners Oliver Gilbert and Danielle Cohen Higgins, Sen. Jones, Rep. Ashley Gantt, EMILY’s List, Ruth’s List, Equality Florida, both major SEIU locals, UNITE HERE, LiUNA, and even the Miami Herald and Miami Times editorial boards.
That’s not a coalition — that’s a small army.
Meanwhile, González — the former director of Miami International Airport and onetime director of U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service — has also been collecting endorsements of his own, including from Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sen. Rick Scott, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz (weird, right?), and, the latest, former Mayor Xavier Suarez, who was the mayor once and is the father of the current mayor. But let’s be honest, they don’t have the same sparkle as a Frederica Wilson endorsement.
Well, maybe Ted Cruz does.
Read related: After coming in 6th, Papi Suarez backs Emilio Gonzalez for Miami mayor
Higgins’ camp says the congresswoman’s nod reflects “ethical leadership” and a “focus on families.” Ladra would add: it also reflects momentum.
With just over a month to go before the Dec. 9 runoff, both candidates are hustling for every precinct, every headline and every endorsement. Higgins wants to turn her first-place finish into a coronation. Gonzalez wants an upset.
And somewhere in the middle, voters are wondering if either one can clean up the circus at City Hall without joining the act.

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