Danielle Cohen Higgins has secured her second full term on the Miami-Dade County Commission, earning 55% of the vote in the District 8 race held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. The decisive victory allowed her to avoid a runoff election, cementing her position as the representative for one of South Florida’s fastest-growing regions. For residents across Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, Homestead, and surrounding communities, this Miami-Dade Commission result signals continuity in leadership through 2030.
The Democratic incumbent faced two challengers who argued that county spending had spiraled under her watch. John DuBois, a longtime Republican, captured 28% of the vote, while Martha “Vega” Hero finished with 17%. Despite the nonpartisan nature of County Commission races, political affiliations played a background role in the campaign dynamics that shaped this 2026 election.
Cohen-Higgins Victory Statement
In her victory statement, Commissioner Cohen Higgins expressed profound gratitude to her supporters and outlined her vision for South Dade’s future. Her words reflected a deep personal connection to the community she now represents for another four years.
“Earning the trust of the residents of District 8 to continue serving on the Miami-Dade County Commission is a responsibility I will never take for granted. I am sincerely grateful for your support and proud to continue fighting for the community we all love.”
The 45-year-old trial lawyer emphasized her roots as the daughter of Jamaican immigrants and a proud graduate of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. Her personal narrative resonates strongly with the diverse Latin and Caribbean communities that call District 8 home. She built her life, raised her family, and now champions the interests of neighbors who share similar immigrant stories.
District 8 Boundaries and Communities
District 8 spans a vast swath of southern Miami-Dade County, encompassing some of the region’s most dynamic neighborhoods. The district includes Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, portions of Homestead, and unincorporated areas such as Kendall, Leisure City, Naranja, and the Redland agricultural zone.
Split by U.S. Route 1, this territory represents one of Miami-Dade’s fastest-growing and most diverse areas. The landscape transitions dramatically from established suburbs to agricultural farmland that developers have long coveted. For the Latin community seeking affordable housing options and business opportunities, South Dade continues to offer pathways that central Miami no longer provides.
Understanding District 8’s geography helps residents appreciate the complex challenges facing their commissioner. From environmental protection in the Redland to transportation infrastructure along congested corridors, the priorities vary dramatically across this expansive region.
Campaign Finances and Political Landscape
Commissioner Cohen Higgins entered the August 2026 election with formidable financial resources. Her campaign war chest exceeded $1.48 million, a sum that neither challenger came close to matching. This fundraising advantage allowed her team to dominate advertising, outreach, and grassroots organizing throughout South Dade.
The political backgrounds of her opponents reflected the shifting allegiances common in South Florida politics. John DuBois has maintained longtime Republican registration according to state records. Martha Hero followed a more complicated path, switching from Democrat to independent in 2020 before reregistering as a Republican after the 2024 election.
Because Miami-Dade County Commission races remain technically nonpartisan, all three candidates appeared on the same ballot without party labels. This system often benefits incumbents with strong name recognition and established donor networks.
Read more: Complete Guide to Miami-Dade Elections 2026
Commissioner’s Accomplishments and Priorities
Cohen Higgins highlighted several areas of progress during her tenure representing District 8. Her administration focused on environmental protection, recognizing the unique ecological significance of South Dade’s agricultural lands and proximity to the Everglades. Transportation infrastructure improvements addressed the chronic congestion that frustrates commuters traveling between Homestead and central Miami.
Small business support programs received attention under her leadership, crucial for the many Latino entrepreneurs establishing ventures throughout the district. She also championed expanded opportunities for families, including educational access and community development initiatives that strengthen neighborhood bonds.
Looking ahead to her final term before term limits force her departure in 2030, Cohen Higgins expressed enthusiasm for unfinished work. Affordability emerged as a central theme of her 2026 platform, acknowledging the housing pressures affecting working families across Miami-Dade County.
Support from Miami Mayor
Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins, a former colleague on the County Commission, offered warm congratulations following the election results. Their shared experience tackling major challenges created a professional bond that transcends typical political relationships.
“Danielle and I spent years working side by side on some of the biggest challenges facing our community, from housing and transportation to improving how government works for the people we serve. Through it all, I came to know Danielle as someone who is prepared, thoughtful, and deeply committed to doing the hard work this job requires.”
This endorsement from the Miami Mayor carries significant weight for South Dade residents who depend on coordination between city and county governments. Housing policy, transportation planning, and infrastructure investment require collaboration across jurisdictional lines.
Cohen Higgins originally joined the Miami-Dade Commission through appointment in December 2020. She succeeded Daniella Levine Cava after the latter won the mayoralty. Her 2022 election saw her capture 57% of the vote, establishing the strong electoral foundation she maintained in 2026.
The commissioner’s trajectory from appointed replacement to two-term elected official demonstrates her ability to build lasting relationships with District 8 voters. Her background as a trial lawyer provides analytical skills essential for navigating complex county policy debates.
For Miami’s Latin community, representation matters deeply. Cohen Higgins frequently emphasizes her immigrant heritage and connection to families building new lives in South Florida. Her story mirrors the experiences of countless residents who chose Miami-Dade County as their home.
As District 8 continues evolving, balancing development pressures with community character remains the defining challenge. The agricultural Redland faces constant pressure from builders seeking to convert farmland into housing subdivisions. Environmental advocates push for stronger protections, while affordability advocates point to the need for more housing stock.
Commissioner Cohen Higgins now has four years to address these competing demands before term limits end her tenure. Her decisive 55% victory suggests South Dade voters trust her judgment on navigating these difficult tradeoffs.
What district does Cohen Higgins represent on Miami-Dade Commission?
Danielle Cohen Higgins represents District 8, which covers southern Miami-Dade County including Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay, parts of Homestead, and unincorporated areas like Kendall, Leisure City, Naranja, and the Redland.
When do term limits force Cohen Higgins to leave office?
Term limits will require Commissioner Cohen Higgins to leave the Miami-Dade County Commission in 2030, following the completion of her second full four-year term.
How did Cohen Higgins first join the Miami-Dade Commission?
Cohen Higgins joined the Miami-Dade Commission through appointment in December 2020, succeeding Daniella Levine Cava after she won election as Miami-Dade Mayor.
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