Longtime South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District, confirmed Friday she will not run for reelection.

The 83-year-old Democrat made the surprise announcement during a street-naming ceremony in her honor, right next to the elementary school where she once served as principal.

“This has been a journey. But it’s time. It’s time,” Wilson said. “I know all of you are saying, ‘What is the congresswoman going to do?’ Well, the congresswoman is going to not seek another term.”

She later told the Miami Herald the decision came down to one simple factor: “I decided to not seek reelection because it’s time. It has been the joy of my life, absolute honor to serve the people of South Florida.”

“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. “With me not here, would that weaken the survival of District 24?”

Wilson had been largely AWOL from Congress for weeks, missing dozens of votes while recovering from major eye surgery. Doctors ordered her not to fly, forcing an extended absence that left her South Florida constituents without full representation in Washington during critical debates.

UPDATE on Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL):

She just released a statement yesterday (May 14) — recovering in South Florida from left eye surgery (her second procedure). Doctors say she can’t fly yet, but she’s still handling constituent meetings and district work.

She also… https://t.co/60pdAFkyKx pic.twitter.com/MVIe3B7B2H

— Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) May 15, 2026

Just days earlier, Wilson had angrily denied retirement rumors as “a crazy rumor. A crazy crazy rumor. I’m almost distraught. It’s not true. I am still planning on running.”

She has now reversed course completely.

Wilson admitted she made the decision some time ago but deliberately hid it for “political strategy.” She waited until after Florida Republicans completed redistricting to make sure her majority-minority District 24 remained safely Democratic and wasn’t targeted. She even claimed divine guidance: “God said to me, ‘Frederica, stay put and trust the process, and when it’s time, you will know.’”

The post ANOTHER AGING DEM CALLS IT QUITS: 83-Year-Old Rep. Frederica Wilson Announces She Will NOT Seek Reelection After Health Crisis Forced Prolonged Absence from Congress appeared first on The Gateway Pundit.