83-year-old Rep. Frederica Wilson confirms retirement from Congress

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) confirmed Friday that she will retire from Congress, just days after denying Axios’ reporting that she had told allies she wouldn’t seek another term.

Why it matters: The 83-year-old had been under considerable pressure not to run for reelection after missing weeks of House votes, as she recovered from a major eye surgery.

• She initially denied to local allies that she would step aside, but last Saturday she reversed course and told multiple elected officials in her district that she would indeed retire, as Axios first reported.
• Wilson, in a statement to Axios later on Saturday, said: “It’s a crazy rumor. A crazy crazy rumor. I’m almost distraught. It’s not true. I am still planning on running.”

Driving the news: Wilson, who was first elected to her Miami-based seat in 2010, told the Miami Herald, “I think it’s time.”

• Wilson told the outlet she made her decision a while ago but denied it publicly in an effort to be “politically strategic” after Florida’s mid-decade redistricting.
• “I figured if I announced that I was retiring, what would the Legislature and the governor do? What would they say? Would District 24 be an easy target because Frederica is no longer there? I’m a strong candidate.”
• She added: “God said to me, ‘Frederica, stay put and trust the process, and when it’s time, you will know.”

What’s next: Several local elected officials are seen as likely candidates for the seat.

• State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced in a video posted to social media Wednesday that he would not seek reelection to the state legislature.
• “While one chapter of service may be coming to a close in my life, I believe another chapter may be beginning,” Jones said in the video.
• Miami Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert is seen as another possible hopeful, according to NOTUS.

المصدر: Axios