Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins Secures Major Public Safety Endorsements Three prominent first responder…
Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins Secures Major Public Safety Endorsements Three prominent first responder unions officially back Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins for her final reelection campaign. danielle cohen higgins endorsement danielle-cohen-higgins-miami-dade Danielle Cohen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commission, first responder endorsements, Florida politics, District 8 election politics
A trio of prominent public safety organizations announced their formal endorsement of Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins as she campaigns for a second and final four-year term. The labor unions cited her consistent legislative record on funding and supporting first responders across the county.
Key Highlights
- Three major first responder unions have endorsed Danielle Cohen Higgins for reelection.
- The endorsements highlight her legislative record on public safety funding and resources.
- Cohen Higgins faces two Republican challengers in the upcoming August 18 nonpartisan primary.
- A candidate must capture more than 50% of the vote to secure the District 8 seat outright.
Three public safety organizations are backing Miami-Dade Commissioner Danielle Cohen Higginsβ bid for a second and final four-year term at County Hall.
The South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Metro-Dade Firefighters and South Florida Council of Firefighters have all endorsed Cohen Higgins, citing her record supporting first responders.
βCommissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins has proven herself to be a consistent and trusted partner to our local police men and women,β PBA President Steadman Stahl said.
βAt a time when policing is increasingly complex, she has stood firmly with our officers β supporting the resources, policies, and partnership we need to keep Miami-Dade residents and communities safe,β he said.
South Florida Council of Firefighters President John OβBrien said Cohen Higgins has shown a βsteady commitment to the safety of both our firefighters and the communities we serve.β
βShe understands that public safety requires investment, respect and partnership β and on the County Commission, she has consistently delivered those values,β he said.
Metro-Dade Firefighters President William McAllister expressed similar sentiments.
βOur firefighters donβt get to choose when emergencies happen β and thatβs why we need leaders who are prepared to meet those moments with us,β he said. βCommissioner Danielle Cohen Higgins has been a strong advocate for first responders, ensuring that fire rescue professionals have the staffing, equipment, and support necessary to protect our communities and show up when weβre needed most.β
Cohen Higgins said she is βhonored to earn the supportβ of the three organizations, which join AFSCME Florida in endorsing her.
βThese men and women represent the very best of public service, and I will continue fighting to ensure they have the tools, training, and respect they need and deserve,β she said. βAs County Commissioner, keeping our communities safe is not just part of my work β it is my responsibility, and I take it seriously every day.β
A Democrat and lawyer who succeeded Daniella Levine Cava on the Commission, Cohen Higgins first joined the 13-member panel by appointment in December 2020 and won a full term in 2022 with 57% of the vote.
She represents District 8, which covers much of Miami-Dadeβs southern portion, including Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead and the unincorporated neighborhoods of Redlands, Naranja and Leisure City.
This year, she faces former Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor John DuBois and National Community Services CEO Martha βVegaβ Hero, both Republicans.
Because County Commission contests are technically nonpartisan, all candidates will appear on the Aug. 18 Primary ballot.
A candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote to win outright; otherwise, the top two vote-getters advance to a Nov. 3 runoff.
Future Outlook
The upcoming primary on August 18 will test whether Cohen Higgins can leverage her institutional support to secure an outright victory. Facing two conservative challengers in a diverse district that includes both suburban municipalities and agricultural areas like the Redlands, her campaign relies heavily on a platform of regional stability and prioritized public safety infrastructure. If no candidate clears the 50% threshold, the race will transition to an intense head-to-head matchup leading into the November 3 general election.
FAQs
Which organizations have endorsed Danielle Cohen Higgins?
She has secured endorsements from the South Florida Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Metro-Dade Firefighters, South Florida Council of Firefighters, and AFSCME Florida.
Which areas are included in Miami-Dade Commission District 8?
District 8 encompasses the southern portion of Miami-Dade County, including Cutler Bay, Palmetto Bay, Homestead, and unincorporated communities such as Leisure City, Naranja, and Redlands.
Who are the candidates running for the District 8 seat?
The incumbent Danielle Cohen Higgins is competing against former Palmetto Bay Vice Mayor John DuBois and National Community Services CEO Martha βVegaβ Hero.
How does the voting process work for the Miami-Dade County Commission?
The election is nonpartisan and takes place during the primary on August 18. If a candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, they win the seat outright. If not, the top two candidates advance to a runoff election on November 3.
