Photo courtesy of Facebook

By David L. Snelling

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek a 9th term is causing ripple effects as her potential successors have given indications of vying for the Congressional District 24 seat.

State Senator Shervin Jones announced he’s not running for reelection but didn’t say he was seeking a bid for Wilson’s seat, and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III resigned, suggesting a run for Congress.

Jones and Gilbert, both Democrats, have been rumored successors to Wilson if she decided not to run for reelection.

Dr. Rudolph Moise was initially a candidate for Congressional District 20 but ended his bid so he could enter the CD 24 race after Wilson’s retirement announcement.

Following Jones and Oliver’s resignations, State Rep. Ashley Gantt said she’s running for Jones’ seat and Miami-Dade County School Board member Dr. Steve Gallon III filed paperwork to run for Miami-Dade County Commissioner.

If Jones and Gilbert decide to run for Congress, they might be seeking Wilson’s endorsement which could bolster their chances.

Wilson, 83, officially announced her retirement from Congress during a street renaming ceremony at 4555 N.W. 206th Terrace in her honor on May 29, 2026, in Miami Gardens.

She said she is starting a new chapter in her life by taking her 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, an award-winning mentorship program, across America.

“Today, I announced that I will not seek re-election to Congress, but I am not retiring,” she said. “My life’s work is entering a new chapter. I will take the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project across America, bringing mentorship, hope, and opportunity to young people in communities throughout our nation.”

Wilson reflected on her journey from teacher and longtime principal at Dr. Ferderica Wilson/ Skyway Elementary School, which is near her street sign, to a political career spanning over 30 years.

She gained a foothold in government when she was elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board, then ran for state Senate, Florida House of Representatives and U.S. Congress.

“The journey took me from the Miami-Dade School Board to the Florida Legislature, and then to the United States Congress, fighting for voting rights, education, healthcare, environmental justice, and mentoring thousands of young people,” Wilson said. “And now, this chapter ends full circle. Today, I stood beside Dr. Frederica S. Wilson Elementary School on Frederica Wilson Boulevard, next to the very school where my career began. Nobody planned it this way, but somehow the beginning, the journey, and this ending all met in the same place.”

Jones praised Wilson for her countless efforts to bring affordability, child healthcare, and millions of dollars in infrastructure, just to name a few, to the Black communities.

Jones said Wilson, who was his principal, inspired him to make an impact in the community and eventually ran for political office.

“Like so many people across South Florida, I have known Congresswoman Frederica Wilson not only as an elected official, but as a mentor, an advocate and a relentless champion for young people,” Jones said. “I was proud to be part of the inaugural 500 Role Models Program, which has since grown into the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project, impacting the lives of thousands of young Black boys across our community.”

Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said Wilson is the epitome of leadership and credits her with reshaping the lives of at-risk youths through the 5000 Role Models of Excellence Project.

“On behalf of Miami-Dade’s nearly 3 million residents, we thank Congresswoman Frederica Wilson for a lifetime of extraordinary service,” said Levine Cava. “A daughter of Miami, her legacy as an educator, mentor, and relentless advocate for our community will be felt for generations to come. From the 5,000 Role Models of Excellence Project to countless lives touched across our county, her impact is immeasurable. We are forever grateful for her service, her heart, and her vision.”

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Marleine Bastien echoed similar sentiments.

“Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s retirement marks the close of an extraordinary chapter in public service, advocacy, and leadership” she said. “Throughout her decades of service to South Florida and our nation, Congresswoman Wilson has been a tireless champion for children, families, seniors, and underserved communities. Her impact reaches far beyond legislation, it lives in the countless lives she has uplifted, empowered, and inspired along the way.”

Miami Gardens City Commissioner, Robert L. Stephens III, who sponsored legislation to rename the street after Wilson, said she’s been a champion for children, families, seniors, and education.

“You have never stopped fighting for those whose voices often go unheard, and your impact can be seen in countless lives across South Florida and beyond,” he said. Today’s honor is a reflection of the legacy you have built through hard work, courage, and a genuine love for the people you serve. Your commitment to public service has inspired generations of leaders, including many of us who now have the privilege of serving our communities.”

Wilson’s retirement from Congress comes after she came under scrutiny for missing a month long of votes in Washington while she was recovering from major eye surgery.

Wilson’s announcement makes her the latest in a line of aging members of Congress to choose not to run again ahead of November’s midterm elections.

It also comes amid growing challenges to Black political power in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling gutting the Voting Rights Act.

And as Republicans rush to redraw congressional maps ahead of this year’s midterm elections, the Congressional Black Caucus, of which Wilson is a member, is poised to lose up to one-third of its members.

In a video posted on social media, Jones said he’s ending his Senate reelection bid to focus on a new chapter in his life.

“While one chapter of service may be coming to a close in my life,” he said, “I believe another chapter may just be beginning.”

In a video announcing his resignation, Gilbert, a former Miami Gardens mayor, said he’s been a public servant since 2008, and it was time for him to step down.

Like Jones, he didn’t mention if he plans on continuing his political career in Congress.

“And while I am resigning from my seat on the County Commission, I want to make something very clear: I am not leaving you,” he said. “I’ll continue serving as your commissioners until January 23, 2027, so we still have more moments together in this role. But even after that day comes. I’m not going anywhere. I’m simply stepping away from a position, not from the people and communities that helped shape my life.”

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

Gantt filed paperwork to run for Jones’ Senate District 34 seat, which covers areas including West Park, Dania Beach, Deerfield Beach, Hollywood and suburban Miami.

She was first elected to the Florida House in 2022, upsetting veteran lawmaker James Bish III and defeated him in a rematch in 2024.

According to the Miami-Dade Elections Department, Gallon filed paperwork to run for Gilbert’s seat which covers cities like Miami Gardens and Opa-locka.

He posted a photo on social media with him standing in front of the Miami-Dade Elections Department in Doral holding up what appears to be his campaign paperwork.

Also, Miami Gardens City Commissioner Linda Julien shared on social media that she is also running for the District 1 seat.