Eileen Higgins Wins Miami-Dade Commission Seat

MIAMI BEACH, FL — Marketing consultant Eileen Higgins defeated the wife of Miami-Dade Commissioner Bruno A. Barreiro Tuesday in a special run-off election to fill Barreiro's District 5 seat on the commission. Higgins defeated Zoraida A. Barreiro by a margin of 7,449 to 6,494 votes. Nearly 15 percent of eligible voters turned out for the election.

Higgins took to social media on Tuesday night to thank her supporters. The district includes portions of Miami Beach, Miami and the unincorporated area of Fisher Island. Neighborhoods within those areas include parts of Brickell, Brickell Key, The Roads, Shenandoah, Little Havana, Grapeland, South Beach, parts of Mid and North Beach, Hibiscus, Palm and Star Islands.

Commissioner Barreiro resigned to run for Congress.

Higgins has held senior management and marketing roles in international businesses, NGOs, public policy programs, and political campaigns, according to her campaign bio.

"With a proven track record in driving retail sales, new product development, digital marketing programs, and turnaround strategies for under-performing brands, she loves creating practical ways to drive growth," said her campaign website. "She especially loves working with startups and small local businesses.

Zoraida is a businesswoman who provides home health care to seniors based in Little Havana.

Eileen Higgins photo courtesy Eileen for County Commissioner