Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson Confirms 2024 Reelection Bid Amid Recovery from Major Eye Surgery

Florida Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) has informed allies in her district that she intends to run for reelection in 2024, despite her nearly month-long absence from Capitol Hill, Axios has learned.

Wilson Dismisses Retirement Rumors After Major Eye Surgery

Rumors had circulated that the 83-year-old Miami representative was considering retirement as she recovered from major eye surgery. However, Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who represents the same district, told Axios that Wilson confirmed her reelection plans during a phone call on Thursday afternoon.

"What she just told me is that she's running for reelection ... she's not retiring."

Wilson’s Legacy and Recent Activities

Known for her signature bedazzled outfits and matching cowboy hats, Wilson is a Miami icon. Since 1998, she has represented the area in the Florida House, Florida Senate, and now Congress. On Monday, she held a fundraiser in Miami, with one source telling Axios:

"The woman I saw on Monday didn't look like she was retiring."

Spokespeople for Wilson’s official House office and campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Colleagues and Allies Weigh In

An anonymous source familiar with Wilson’s situation told Axios:

"Wilson missing votes is not a sign she's sick or retiring. It's a sign she's Freddy Wilson. She shows up when she wants to and when she has to. She's a force of nature."

The source added:

"People have been saying she's going to retire for 15 years, and it hasn't happened yet. I'll believe it when I see it."

Wilson also spoke with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), according to Jones. She informed Jeffries that she had undergone major eye surgery but would return to Washington, D.C., the following week—next Wednesday.

Congress’ Aging Membership and Political Implications

The issue of aging members in Congress has sparked growing concern on Capitol Hill, particularly among Democrats. In the 119th Congress, four House Democrats aged 70 or older have died. Seven of the last eight House members to die in office were Democrats.

Many of the oldest House Democrats initially announced plans to run again at the start of the election cycle, only to later announce retirements. However, some have remained steadfast in their decisions, even as they face well-funded primary challengers who advocate for generational change.