Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III and Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones are running for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, a seat being vacated by longtime Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, who announced her retirement on May 29, 2026.
Gilbert, who launched his website olivergilbert.vote, made a formal public announcement on Sunday, June 7 at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church in Miami Gardens.
“I’m running to put people first, to fight for the things that actually make life better for working families, and to make sure this community continues to have a partner in Congress,” Gilbert said in a press release.
Gilbert’s candidacy follows his May 29, announcement that he was resigning his seat on the County Commission effective January 3, 2027, after representing District 1 since 2020 and serving as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.
“I grew up here. I went to school here. I served here. And every step of that journey is the reason I’m running,” Gilbert said. “Families in South Florida are working harder than ever and still falling behind — gas costs more, rent eats up half a paycheck, and Washington keeps spending their money on everything except them.”
Congresswoman Wilson, a veteran political leader, trailblazing educator, and human rights activist, has served as U.S. representative for Florida’s 24th congressional district since 2011. She is the founder and chair of the U.S. Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys. She also founded, in 1993, 5000 Role Models, a successful dropout-prevention and mentorship program for boys and young men of color. Prior to Congress, she served in the Florida State Senate (2002–2010), the Florida House of Representatives (1998–2002), and on the Miami-Dade County School Board.
Prior to his election to the County Commission, Gilbert served two terms as mayor of Miami Gardens.
“Serving as your Commissioner, your vice chairman, and your chairman of the board of Miami-Dade County Commissioners has truly been one of the honors of my life and I’ll always be grateful for the trust this community placed in this young boy from Miami Gardens,” said Gilbert in a May 29, Facebook post.
Gilbert’s statement followed the resignation of State Sen. Shevrin Jones, who, on May 27, announced on social media that he would not seek reelection for his state Senate seat.
Jones has now joined the race.
“I’ve spent the last 14 years fighting for the people of South Florida, and today I’m taking that fight to Congress,” said Jones in a press release announcing his Congressional bid.
“I’m running because too many families are struggling with the cost of living, too many young people are questioning whether opportunity still exists for them, and too many people feel like their voices aren’t being heard. I believe everyone deserves to be seen, heard, and represented, and I know the future of this country is ours to build.”
Jones filed federal candidate paperwork on June 4 after previously announcing on social media that he would not seek another term in the Florida Senate.
“This year my senate seat is on the ballot and after a lot of prayer, reflection and honest conversation with the people closest to me, I have decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” said Jones on X.
“…Our communities deserve bold leadership with the energy and urgency to tackle problems — especially in this moment as our rights and representation are under attack here in Florida and across the country,” Jones said.
Jones represents Florida State Senate District 34— the largest Black district in the state. He was first elected to the state Senate in 2020, and served in the state House from 2012-2020.
“I’m humbled by the encouragement and will continue to serve in whatever capacity I can to do the most good for our people,” Jones shared.
Rudolph Moise and Christine Alexandria Sanon-Jules, formerly Christine Alexandria Olivo, had already announced their candidacy for the 24th Congressional District race. Moise switched from the race in Florida’s 20th District and joined Sanon-Jules, who declared her candidacy in April.
