Former State Senator Shevrin Jones Files to Run for Congress in District 24
Veteran Florida legislator enters race for U.S. House seat one week after longtime representative announces retirement from Congress.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA — Former state Senator Shevrin Jones filed paperwork Thursday morning to run for the U.S. House seat being vacated by eight-term Representative Frederica Wilson in Congressional District 24.
“It’s filed and live,” Jones, a 42-year-old Miami Gardens native, told the Florida Phoenix. The Democrat launched his congressional bid one week after Wilson announced her retirement following what Jones described as a “strange back-and-forth” where Wilson initially called rumors of her stepping down “crazy.”
Hours after filing his candidacy paperwork, Jones announced on social media that supporters should join him at the Koinonia Worship Center in Pembroke Pines next Tuesday for “an important announcement.” The venue is his parents’ church.
Political Background and Legislative Career
Jones brings extensive political experience to the congressional race. He previously served as chair of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party and began his legislative career in the Florida Legislature in 2012.
The politician served four terms in the state House before winning his Senate seat in 2020. He retained his Senate position during the 2024 elections and was positioned to lead the Senate Democrats in 2028 before announcing last week he would not seek reelection.
“It’s just been a pleasure to serve people,” Jones said on the Senate floor last week while bidding farewell to his fellow lawmakers. “Now I know when I travel the state of Florida, I have friends all over the state. And while I might not be here in this building, it’s my hope, after Aug. 18, that you can visit me somewhere else — maybe in Washington, D.C.”
District Dynamics and Primary Competition
Congressional District 24 represents one of the last primarily Black districts in Florida and stands as one of only four remaining Democrat-leaning districts after Governor Ron DeSantis redrew congressional lines last month.
Jones will compete in the Democratic primary against several candidates, including former Miami-Dade commissioner Jean Monestime, physician Rudolph Moise, and county resident Christine Sanon-Jules.
Representative Wilson, 83, has represented the district since 2010. Her departure marks the end of a significant tenure in one of Florida’s most reliably Democratic congressional seats.
The August 18 date referenced in Jones’ farewell speech aligns with Florida’s primary election timeline, when voters will determine which candidates advance to the general election in November.
