MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. — The deadline for candidates to enter the race to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Florida, is quickly approaching, and a few hopefuls have thrown their hats into the ring, looking to replace the longtime District 24 congresswoman.
The district covers portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
The mix of Democratic candidates for the deep-blue seat includes veteran, familiar public servants and some political newcomers.
Two prominent, current elected officials, State Sen. Shevrin Jones and Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert recently qualified.
“From my perspective, it’s still the conversation about my record as a mayor (of Miami Gardens), as a county commissioner and my ideas about what we need in this district,” Gilbert told Local 10 News.
Jones said, “I’m the only one in this race that is not afraid and has not been afraid to go toe-to-toe with Ron DeSantis, with Donald Trump.”
Then, on Wednesday, they learned their newest opponent is a 29-year-old who carries the name of a Miami-Dade black political dynasty: Kendrick Meek Jr., a local attorney.
His late grandmother, Carrie Meek, was among the first African-Americans from Florida in Congress and was succeeded there by her son, Kendrick Meek Sr.
Meek Jr. was not available for an interview on Thursday but is set to launch his campaign Friday at the home of his late grandmother.
Other candidates include Rudy Moise, an attorney and doctor; former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime; attorney Roderick Vereen and business owner Christine Sanon-Jules.
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