PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — A new candidate has emerged in the race to replace Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who recently announced her retirement.

Florida State Senator Shevrin Jones is officially running for the District 24 seat.

The deep-blue district covers Miami Gardens, Hollywood, Miramar and Pembroke Park.

Jones kicked off his campaign for Congress in front of a packed crowd in Pembroke Park on Tuesday night.

“I beg of you tonight that you trust me once again,” said Jones. “Youve trusted me in Tallahassee. I ask them that you send me to Washington D.C. to have me fight on your behalf.”

Jones expressed that people are looking for new leadership and change.

“I think people are tired of the same old talk, same old politicians, they’re looking for change, transparency and new leadership,” he said. “And I think we’re going to bring that to them.”

Jones was born and raised in Miami Gardens. He made history in 2020 by becoming the first LGBTQ+ person elected to the Florida State Senate.

If he wins, he’d be the state’s first LGBTQ+ member of Congress.

It’s a campaign focused on affordability, saying prices are too high and promising to advocate for working people.

“I shared yesterday that I will join any caucus, I will join any piece of legislation that is lowering the cost of groceries, gas, any legislation that making the lives of people better that are going through the process right now,” Jones said.

Jones already has several competitors in the Democratic primary, including former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime, current Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, Rudy Moise and Christine Sanon-Jules.

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