Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert has won the crowded Democratic primary to succeed retiring Rep. Frederica Wilson in Florida's 24th Congressional District, according to election results.
Wilson, who announced her retirement at the end of this year after serving in Congress since 2011, emphatically endorsed Gilbert during a campaign rally, telling supporters, "If I am endorsing you, everybody in District 24 should be endorsing you."
The district covers parts of South Florida including portions of Miami. It remained largely Democratic after Florida Republicans redrew the state's congressional map this year, though coastal areas including Miami Beach were shifted to neighboring districts.
Seven candidates competed in Tuesday's Democratic primary. House Democratic leaders had stayed out of the race but are expected to coalesce behind Gilbert as the nominee approaches the general election.
Gilbert now enters the general election as the heavy favorite in a district that has consistently voted for Democratic candidates. Wilson first represented Florida's 17th Congressional District for one term before redistricting prompted her run in the 24th District.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive groups noted that while far-left candidates achieved notable victories elsewhere, including in New York and Arizona, this particular race did not feature an establishment versus socialist clash of the kind defining many 2026 midterm contests.
Democratic Socialists of America members did challenge other Florida incumbents. DSA member Oliver Larkin ran against moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz in a district drawn more favorably for Republicans under the new map. Self-described socialist Elijah Manley challenged Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who won her primary Tuesday night despite criticism for running in a majority-Black district after redistricting.
Local Democratic officials expressed confidence in Gilbert's ability to represent the district, citing his experience on the Miami-Dade County Commission and Wilson's explicit endorsement as factors that brought party unity heading into November.
What the Right Is Saying
Florida Republicans acknowledged the seat is heavily Democratic but said they intend to field a candidate for the general election. The newly drawn map shifted some traditionally Republican-leaning areas along the coast, potentially making neighboring districts more competitive.
National Republican strategists have pointed to other Florida races as more promising pickup opportunities. The GOP's redistricting efforts were designed to strengthen the party's position in several congressional seats across the state.
Some conservative commentators noted that while Gilbert faces a favorable path to Congress, his victory represents one less opportunity for Republicans to contest a seat they view as winnable under different circumstances.
What the Numbers Show
Seven candidates competed in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Wilson first won her seat in 2010 and was re-elected five times, most recently with approximately 73% of the vote in 2024.
The district has voted Democratic in every congressional election since its current boundaries were established following the 2010 census. Florida's new congressional map, backed by Republican legislators, was finalized earlier this year.
Gilbert served two terms on the Miami-Dade County Commission before launching his congressional campaign. He received Wilson's endorsement over six other primary challengers including community activists and local officials.
The Bottom Line
Oliver Gilbert is now positioned to become the next representative for Florida's 24th Congressional District, succeeding a longtime incumbent with high name recognition in South Florida. The seat is expected to remain safely Democratic in November.
Wilson leaves Congress after 14 years, remembered for her advocacy on education and criminal justice issues as well as her distinctive fashion choices featuring brightly colored wide-brimmed hats that became her signature look at the Capitol. Her endorsement proved decisive in consolidating establishment Democratic support behind Gilbert.
Republicans will still contest the race but face significant challenges in a district that has consistently backed Democratic candidates. The outcome marks one of several Florida congressional seats that will see new representation following this year's elections and redistricting.