Higgins got her start in politics when she became involved with the United Food and Commercial Workers union in 1982 while working at a Safeway grocery store.
[2] She was joined in the race by former Saskatchewan NDP President Yens Pedersen, former Deputy Premier Dwain Lingenfelter, and Saskatoon doctor Ryan Meili.
Higgins decided not to run again for the leadership, advocating instead for younger members to step into contention for the role.
[8] In September 2012, Higgins announced she would be entering municipal politics and running to become the next mayor of Moose Jaw.
The ballot also included a referendum on funding for replacing local water and sewer mains, which led to a high turnout.