Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) announced Friday she will not seek reelection to the U.S. House of Representatives, ending a 15-year congressional career. The 83-year-old lawmaker cited her commitment to expanding the 5000 Role Models of Excellence mentorship program as a key factor in her decision. Wilson, who represents Florida’s 24th District, told the Miami Herald she had made the decision earlier but delayed announcing it to avoid political targeting of her district.
Wilson’s retirement follows weeks of absence from Capitol Hill due to eye surgery, during which she missed multiple votes, including a key vote on extending Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) authorities. She reappeared in Washington last week before confirming her decision. The Florida Democrat expressed concern that her departure might weaken her district’s Democratic stronghold, though the newly redrawn map still favors Democratic candidates.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries praised Wilson’s advocacy for young people and her bipartisan legislation on racial inequities. Wilson plans to travel the country to promote her mentorship program, which she founded over 30 years ago to guide young men away from crime and violence. She emphasized that her departure is not a retirement but a shift in focus to her long-standing initiative.
Wilson’s announcement comes amid a wave of retirements among older lawmakers, with more than 60 House members stepping down this cycle. Her district, which includes parts of northern Miami-Dade and southeastern Broward counties, remains a solid Democratic seat under the new congressional map.