Democratic primary candidates seek to succeed Wilson in Florida’s 24th Congressional District

[00:00:00]Vote 2026, we're less than a month away from the Florida primary, August 18th.

[00:00:04]And tonight, our series on the key midterm races moves into District 24 with a crowded Democratic field looking to replace retiring Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.

[00:00:14]>> Candidates include elected officials, businessmen, a physician, and a political newcomer with a familiar last name. Here's Local 10's Eric Yutkin with a closer look.

[00:00:24]>> The race to succeed Congresswoman Frederica Wilson is underway with seven Democrats competing for the seat. Among them is Miami-Dade County Commissioner and former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert.

[00:00:36]>> Whether you are in District 24 in Florida or District 24 in Texas, you need healthcare. You need food security.

[00:00:43]You need affordable housing. You need to be able to go to the store if your check didn't get bigger, but prices got bigger. Well, that's a problem. That's a problem for real Americans. I want to help with that.

[00:00:52]>> Affordability is also central to State Senator Shevrin Jones' campaign.

[00:00:56]>> We look at the cost of healthcare and people having to choose between paying their rent or even purchasing their getting their their prescription drugs.

[00:01:04]That is a broken system. That is a government that is working against the people and not for the people.

[00:01:08]>> Jean Monestime became the first Haitian-American elected to the Miami-Dade County Commission. The businessman says he'll focus on expanding economic opportunity.

[00:01:17]>> And we do so by providing me them with an opportunity. And frankly, I'm a candidate for Congress because these are the opportunities that this community gave me a little bit more than 45 years ago when I arrived arrived here.

[00:01:30]>> Dr. Rudolph Moise is an Air Force veteran and physician. Among his proposals is lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 55.

[00:01:40]>> They share the perspective with me, the difficulty that they are experiencing right now. Instead of being in the sideline just watching, I decided to jump into the arena.

[00:01:50]>> At the Marshall L. Davis African Heritage Cultural Arts Center Liberty City, Marshall Davis is a cultural icon and educator.

[00:01:57]>> We got to look at what we consider the problem.

[00:02:00]Because in the problem there's a solution.

[00:02:03]We got to look at our potential.

[00:02:06]And be expansive.

[00:02:07]>> Prominent attorney Roderick Vereen says after decades of fighting for clients in the courtroom, he's ready to fight for constituents in Congress.

[00:02:15]>> I'm a lawyer, you know, and so I think I have a better grasp of the law. I think I can be a better voice for the people in Washington, D.C. So I think this is the right time for me to to take that opportunity.

[00:02:25]>> Kendrick Meek Jr. is the youngest candidate in the race. The attorney is the son of former Congressman Kendrick Meek and grandson of former Congresswoman Carrie Meek.

[00:02:34]>> I'm the only candidate in this race that has has experience of working on Capitol Hill and at the White House. I'm very proud of that and I know that I'm going to be able to bring resources to bear on behalf of this community on day one.

[00:02:44]>> The winner will take on unopposed Republican Tay Brown and Andy Darrow who is not affiliated with a party. Aaron Maybin, Local 10 News.

[00:02:53]>> And coming up tomorrow at 6:00, we're talking to the candidates for the newly redrawn District 20. If you miss any of our election stories or want to check out our complete voter guide, head to local10.com.