32BJ SEIU backs ‘strong partner’ Oliver Gilbert for CD 24, vows to knock doors for him

Miami-Dade’s chapter of the nation’s largest property service workers union is throwing its sizable support behind County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert’s bid for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, adding even more labor backing to his campaign.

SEIU 32BJ, which represents security officers, janitors and airport workers across the county, has endorsed Gilbert, joining major unions including SEIU Local 1991, the Florida AFL-CIO, South Florida Council of Firefighters and UNITE HERE! Local 335 in doing so.

“Oliver Gilbert works hard, just like our members, and he has never been afraid to stand up to powerful companies when workers are being treated unfairly,” said Helene O’Brien, Vice President of 32BJ SEIU in Florida.

“He has been a strong partner in our fight to raise standards for security officers and ensure airport workers receive the fair treatment they deserve. Oliver knows how to win and, more importantly, he knows how to deliver wins for working people. That’s why 32BJ members are proud to endorse him for Congress, and why we’ll be out knocking on doors with our members this weekend to support him.”

More than 25 members of 32BJ have already volunteered to canvass for Gilbert this Saturday, a press note from the candidate’s campaign said.

Gilbert, who also carries endorsements from Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris, Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins and U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, whom he hopes to succeed in CD 24, expressed gratitude for the added support.

“I’m proud of how we earned it, and I’ll keep delivering for working families in Congress,” he said. “32BJ members keep South Florida running, and they don’t endorse promises. They endorse results. Paid sick time for contracted security officers in Miami-Dade County is a result. A cargo worker at (Miami International Airport), fired while caring for his wife through cancer, is going back to work. That is a result.”

That worker, Pedro Frometa, praised Gilbert’s advocacy from the County Commission dais, which can be viewed, in part, on 32BJ SEIU’s YouTube page.

“When I was unfairly fired after missing work to care for my wife while she had cancer, Commissioner Oliver Gilbert stood up for me. He listened to my story and cared about what my family was going through,” Frometa said. “With his support, I will be going back to work. I am very grateful to have a leader who listens to workers and fights for us.”

A lawyer by trade, Gilbert, 53, served as Miami Gardens Mayor from 2012 to 2020 before winning his seat on the County Commission. He was re-elected unopposed in 2024 after serving as the 13-member panel’s Chair.

CD 24 — as redrawn under a mid-decade redistricting plan drafted by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ Office, passed by the Legislature in late April, and signed in early May — covers Miami Gardens in Miami-Dade and Hollywood, Miramar and Pembroke Park in Broward County.

More than 68.7% of voters there backed former Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024, making the Democratic Primary the race that will effectively determine who replaces Wilson.

Nine other candidates have qualified for the race. Democrats running include Gilbert, state Sen. Shevrin Jones, former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime, physician and veteran Rudy Moise, cultural leader Marshall Davis, civil rights leader Roderick Vereen and lawyer Kendrick Meek Jr., whose grandmother and father previously served in Congress.

Republican Te Mayonna Brown, independent Andy Daro and write-in candidate Patricia Gonzalez are also running.

The Primary is Aug. 18, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.