Rep. Frederica Wilson, a Democrat from Florida, announced on May 29, 2026, that she will not seek reelection, concluding her tenure in the House of Representatives. This announcement comes just days after she referred to reports of her retirement as a 'crazy rumor.' Wilson, who has served since 2011, represents Florida's 24th Congressional District, which includes parts of northern Miami-Dade County and southeastern Broward County. At 83 years old, she has been known for her distinctive fashion and has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump.
In an interview with the Miami Herald, Wilson explained that her decision was influenced by her commitment to the 5000 Role Models program, a mentorship initiative she founded for minority boys over 30 years ago. She expressed concerns about the future of the program and the political landscape of her district, questioning how her retirement might affect its representation.
Wilson's recent absence from Congress, attributed to recovery from eye surgery, had raised questions about her health and future in office. Despite earlier denials of retirement rumors, Wilson confirmed her decision after reports indicated she had informed allies of her plans. She had recently returned to vote on May 21, after missing over 40 votes during her absence. Potential candidates to succeed her include Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert.