Congressional Candidate Shevrin Jones Condemns Homophobic Text Message Targeting His HIV Status

State Senator Shevrin Jones is pushing back against a defamatory text message circulating among voters in Florida’s 24th congressional district that falsely claims the openly gay congressional candidate is HIV positive. Jones, who characterized the attack as particularly egregious, emphasized that the allegation is entirely without merit while expressing concern about the broader implications of such messaging.

The text message references a legitimate 2020 news story about Jones being denied blood donations, but misrepresents the reason for his rejection. Jones was actually turned away under a federal policy at that time that prohibited donations from gay and bisexual men. The federal blood-donation restrictions have since been modified, but the message falsely attributes his rejection to an HIV diagnosis.

In a statement, Jones addressed the stigmatization surrounding HIV and sexual orientation, noting that having HIV is not a source of shame and that homosexuality does not indicate HIV status. He characterized the message as deliberately weaponizing an outdated and harmful stereotype about gay people for political gain during the campaign season.

The text also falsely claims that Equality Florida, an LGBTQ advocacy organization that has endorsed Jones, funded and sent the message. The group has denied involvement and stated it is working to identify who actually sent the communication and paid for its distribution.

Both of Jones’ primary opponents have condemned the message. Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert described it as hateful and vile rhetoric, while Kendrick Meek Jr. called it a fraudulent homophobic smear, stating that the region deserves better from its candidates.

With the August 18 primary election one week away, Jones has called for accountability from whoever is responsible for the false message, stressing that voters have a right to know who funded and distributed the attack.