Shevrin Jones humble in Senate goodbye ahead of expected congressional run

Sen. Shevrin Jones delivered another heartfelt oratory on the Senate floor as the Legislature neared the passage of controversial tax-relief legislation.

But his short speech wasn’t about that issue; it was to say goodbye.

Jones, a Miami Gardens lawmaker, has served uninterrupted in Tallahassee since 2012, first as an eight-year House member and, since 2020, as one of South Florida’s most politically influential Democratic voices in the Senate.

He was on track to lead his party in the chamber in 2028, but announced last week that he won’t seek re-election this year, opening his Senate District 34 seat and fueling expectations of a potential congressional run.

Jones added fuel Tuesday to anticipation of an imminent campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, telling his Senate colleagues that while his 14 years as a legislator have been “amazing,” it’s time to move on to other, possibly bigger things.

“I’ve always said that I never wanted anything out of the deal, and I still don’t. It’s just been a pleasure to serve people. I’m just a normal guy who was a teacher, who came into this process because I was upset with the system and … had the opportunity to meet a great deal of people, a great deal of friends,” he said.

“Now I know, when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state. And while I might not be here in this building, it’s my hope, after Aug. 18, that you can visit me somewhere else — maybe in Washington, D.C.”

Jones thanked Senate President Ben Albritton, who he said has led the chamber “with such grace,” and former Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, whom he called his “big sister” in the chamber.

He praised Senate Democratic Leader Lori Berman, saying he “couldn’t be more proud” of the work she’s done, and incoming Leader Tracie Davis, who has the prayers and encouragement of their party peers.

He gave shout-outs to Sen. Don Gaetz, a former Senate President who he said taught him temperance in a high-tension process, and future Senate Presidents Jim Boyd and Jay Trumbull.

“I’m upset that I will not be able to serve with you,” he said. “Jim, I’m sorry I’m not going to be here to watch you lead this chamber, but I know you’re going to do an amazing job. And following right behind you, Jay Trumbull — I know we had plans to do some work together. Next year, I hope you still do it.”

Jones also thanked his family, particularly his mother — who still comments on all his Facebook posts, he said — and his husband, Quinten, whom he married Jan. 7.

Jones, an education professional who made history as the first openly gay person elected to the Legislature, addressed both sides of the political aisle in his roughly six-minute farewell speech; Albritton, Passidomo, Gaetz, Boyd and Trumbull are Republican, while Berman and Davis are Democrats.

But he saved his closing remarks to single out the chamber’s only independent member, Jason Pizzo, who left the Democratic Party — and his then-pending leadership of the Senate Democratic Caucus — in a fiery floor speech last year.

As he told Florida Politics for the March 2025 edition of INFLUENCE Magazine, Jones said he and Pizzo don’t always see eye-to-eye, and their disagreement can sometimes grow contentious, but the discourse is always earnest, respectful and with mutual affection.

“People are like, ‘Why do you and Pizzo always fuss with each other?’ He’s like my brother. We don’t like each other every day, but we love each other,” he said. “Pizzo, I’m going to miss you, because you do lead with your conscience, brother, and I want you to keep doing it.”

Despite a GOP supermajority in both chambers of the Legislature, Jones has been among his party’s most active and effective lawmakers.

He passed, among other things, legislation like the “Dignity for Incarcerated Women” act to mandate minimum hygiene provisions for female prisoners; a “blue envelope” program to improve police interactions with people on the autism spectrum; the “Teddy Bridgewater Act” to allow coaches and boosters to better help students; and expanded aid eligibility for students with developmental delays.

Jones also spoke out against Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new congressional map, fought for changes to prevent President Donald Trump from profiting off a Palm Beach airport renaming, led multiple voter-mobilization initiatives and led the Miami-Dade County Democratic Party ahead of the 2024 election.

Jones confirmed last week that he would run in CD 24 if its current representative, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, were to retire.

Wilson has since said she won’t seek re-election this year.