U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson just made clear who she wants to succeed her in Congress, endorsing former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert in a high-profile Democratic Primary.
Wilson, a Miami-Dade Democrat, made the announcement at a special event at the Nine O One Center in Miami Gardens. There, the longtime Congresswoman physically passed a torch to Gilbert.
“I need somebody who’ll fight just like I fought,” Wilson said.
Wilson announced last month that she would not seek another term representing Florida’s 24th Congressional District. She first won election to the seat in 2010.
Gilbert embraced the longtime incumbent’s support.
“This is the most meaningful endorsement I could ask for. Congresswoman Wilson has fought for this community for decades, the last 15 years in congress doing the hard work to move our community and country forward, and she does not give her word lightly. She knows better than anyone what’s needed in Washington,” Gilbert said.
“I grew up right here in South Florida, in Miami Gardens. I know what families here are up against, because I have lived it. Rent that eats half a paycheck. Healthcare people cannot afford. A commute that swallows the day. I am running to change that. Not with promises, but with work. I am humbled to have her trust, and I will work every day to be worthy of it.”
Gilbert faces seven other Democrats running in a Primary to succeed Wilson. The field most notably includes state Sen. Shevrin Jones, but also African Heritage Cultural Arts Center Marshall Davis; Kendrick Meek Jr., the son of former U.S. Rep. Kenrick Meek; Dr. Rudolph Moise; former Miami-Dade County Commission Chair Jean Monestime; and former congressional candidate Roderick Vereen.
CD 24 leans heavily Democratic — more than 68.7% of voters in the district supported Democrat Kamala Harris for President in 2024 — so the Primary will likely determine the district’s next Representative.
