MIAMI GARDENS — U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson has made her choice in the race to replace her in Congress.
The longtime Democratic lawmaker announced Monday that she is endorsing Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert in the crowded Democratic primary for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, one of South Florida’s most closely watched congressional contests.
Speaking at an event in Miami Gardens, Wilson praised Gilbert’s years of public service and argued that his experience makes him the strongest candidate to represent the district in Washington.
“We love him and we appreciate what he has done for this community,” Wilson said.
Wilson pointed specifically to Gilbert’s record as a former mayor of Miami Gardens and his current service on the Miami-Dade County Commission.
“It’s a job for experience,” Wilson said. “You have to hit the ground running.”
A MAJOR ENDORSEMENT IN A CROWDED FIELD
Wilson’s endorsement is expected to carry significant weight in a district she has represented for more than a decade and where she remains one of South Florida’s most recognizable political figures.
Gilbert enters the race with an established political network and name recognition built through years of local government service. Supporters hope Wilson’s backing will help consolidate support among Democratic voters ahead of the August primary.
Accepting the endorsement, Gilbert focused on affordability concerns and economic challenges facing South Florida families.
“It’s our time to actually stand for something,” Gilbert said. “To stand for the idea that if you’re in the richest country in the world, you should be able to afford to go to the doctor.”
Gilbert has increasingly emphasized healthcare costs, housing affordability, and economic opportunity as central themes of his congressional campaign.
RIVALS PUSH BACK
Despite Wilson’s endorsement, Gilbert still faces a competitive Democratic primary field.
Candidates seeking the seat include State Sen. Shevrin Jones, physician Rudy Moise, Kendrick Meek Jr., former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime, Roderick Vareen, and Marshall Davis.
Several candidates quickly responded to Wilson’s announcement.
Moise, who attended Monday’s event, said the endorsement would not alter his campaign strategy.
“If this is her choice to endorse Oliver Gilbert, let it be,” Moise said. “But I’m going to do my campaign. I am going to do what it takes to win this race.”
Jones also downplayed the significance of the endorsement.
“At the end of the day this race won’t be decided by one person or by self-proclaimed powerbrokers,” Jones said in a statement. “For me, it’s always been about and will continue to be about the people.”
Kendrick Meek Jr. likewise stressed that voters remain focused on who will best represent the district in Congress.
“Our campaign continues hearing from voters who want a Member of Congress who shows up, works hard, and fights for them every day,” Meek said.
WHAT’S AT STAKE IN CD-24
Florida’s 24th Congressional District covers much of northern Miami-Dade County and southern Broward County, including Miami Gardens and several majority-Black communities that have long formed the political base of Wilson’s coalition.
The district is considered safely Democratic, making the August 18 Democratic primary likely to determine Wilson’s successor.
With multiple well-known candidates competing for the seat, endorsements, fundraising, and voter turnout efforts could play an outsized role in deciding the outcome.
Wilson’s endorsement gives Gilbert one of the most sought-after political prizes in the race, but the contest remains far from settled as candidates continue making their case to Democratic voters ahead of Election Day.
Update: A new St. Pete Polls survey released July 18 found Oliver Gilbert leading the Democratic primary with 27%, followed by Shevrin Jones at 24%, while 36% of voters remained undecided. Read our latest poll coverage →
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