Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) will not run for reelection to Florida’s 24th District, marking the end of her 15-year congressional career.The longtime Florida congresswoman confirmed her retirement during an interview with the Miami Herald, saying she felt it was “time.”“I think I really held on as long as I did because of the 5000 Role Models program, and my concern about the future of it,” Wilson, 83, told the outlet, referring to the mentorship program she started for minority boys.
Wilson’s decision not to seek a ninth term comes after the Florida legislature redrew the state’s congressional map in an effort to help the GOP pick up more House seats during November’s midterm elections. The 24th District is considered a solid Democratic seat under the new map.
The Florida Democrat said that while she made her decision to retire a while ago, she held off on announcing her plans until after the new maps were settled to be “politically strategic.”
“I figured if I announced that I was retiring, what would the legislature and the governor do?” Wilson posed. “What would they say? Would District 24 be an easy target because Frederica is no longer there? I’m a strong candidate.”
She continued, “With me not here, would that weaken the survival of District 24?”
