U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson (Photo courtesy of Facebook)

By David L. Snelling

MIAMI – U.S. Rep. Federica Wilson (D-Miami) has decided not to run for reelection this year, a week after she denied rumors she was retiring from political office.

According to several sources, Wilson is stepping down after 16 years in Congress and a political career spanning over 30 years.

Wilson recently came under scrutiny for missing a month long of votes in Washington while recovering from major eye surgery.

She called the rumors of her retirement “crazy rumors” but now sources indicate she’s not seeking a reelection bid.

Wilson, 83, couldn’t be reached for comments and calls to her offices in Miami Gardens, North Miami and Washington D.C. went straight to voicemail.

Wilson represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District which covers portions of North Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties.

It is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse Congressional districts in the United States, according to the U.S. Census report.

With the seat possibly open, rumors suggest State Senator Shervin Jones and Miami-Dade County Commission Oliver Gilbert, both Democrats, might run for the seat.

Other candidates include Andy Ortiz (NPA), Democrat Christine Alexandria and Republican Michael Carbonara.

Jones, a close ally of Wilson, told the South Florida Times he hasn’t spoken to Wilson about her plans but supports any decision that she makes.
“At the end of the day, our communities deserve bold leadership with the energy and urgency to tackle problems,” Jones said. “Especially at this moment as our rights and representation are under attack here in Florida and across the country.”

Jones said he’s humbled by the encouragement of possibly running for Wilson’s seat if she doesn’t run for reelection.
“I will continue to serve in whatever capacity I can to do the most good for our people,” Jone said.

Gilbert couldn’t be reached for comments.

Wilson, known for her trademark colorful cowboy hats, launched her political career in the mid 1990s serving on the Miami Dade County School Board.

Wilson then served in the Florida House of Representatives from 1998 to 2002 and the Florida Senate from 2002 to 2010, holding leadership roles such as Minority Leader Pro Tempore and Minority.

In 2010, Wilson was elected to U.S. Congress where she’s currently serving her 9th consecutive term.

Wilson is the founder of 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring program which pairs professional men with at-risk youths to deter them from a life of crime and get them to focus on career choices.

Before her political career, was a longtime principal for Skyway Elementary School in Miami Gardens, which was renamed Dr. Frederica S. Wilson/Skyway Elementary School in her honor.

The city of Miami Gardens is honoring U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson this week for her years of public service and dedication to her community.

The city is planning to rename a street after Wilson during a ceremony set for Friday, May 29, 2026 at 4555 N.W. 206th Terrace.

The Primary election is scheduled for August and the general election in November