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Voters in Florida’s 24th Congressional District headed to the polls Tuesday for primaries in both parties following the retirement announcement of U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson. The longtime congresswoman, who is 83 years old, will not seek a ninth term after representing the district for approximately 13 years. Wilson made her decision public in May.
The Democratic primary field includes seven contenders vying to replace Wilson. Oliver G. Gilbert II, a 53-year-old Miami-Dade commissioner who previously served as mayor of Miami Gardens from 2012 to 2020, has secured Wilson’s endorsement. Gilbert holds degrees from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and the University of Miami’s law school.
Florida State Sen. Shevrin “Shev” Jones, 42, brings legislative experience from his tenure in the state House from 2012 to 2020 before moving to the Senate. A native of Hollywood who grew up in Miami Gardens, Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University and holds master’s and doctorate degrees in education from Florida Atlantic University.
Kendrick Meek Jr., 29, carries on a family political legacy. His father, former U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek, served Florida’s 17th District from 2003 to 2011, while his grandmother, the late former U.S. Rep. Carrie Meek, held the same seat from 1993 to 2003. Meek Jr. worked as a White House aide on healthcare policy under the Biden administration and interned with House committees.
The remaining Democratic candidates include retired U.S. Air Force Reserve Col. Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise, 71, a Haitian-American physician who served as Haiti’s ambassador-at-large for investment in 2014. Jean Monestime, 63, is a former Miami-Dade County commissioner who chaired the board from 2014 to 2016.
Criminal defense attorney Roderick “Rod” Vereen, 64, previously worked as an assistant federal public defender and assistant state attorney. Marshal L. Davis Sr., 76, directs the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center in Miami’s Liberty City, which has operated since 1963.
Businesswoman Te Brown will represent the Republican Party in the general election on November 3, running unopposed in her primary. She will face the winner of the Democratic primary contest.
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