Frederica Wilson-endorsed candidate wins primary to fill her South Florida seat

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III won the Democratic primary Tuesday for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, putting him one step closer to succeeding longtime U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson in a district that includes Little Haiti and several other South Florida communities.

State Sen. Shevrin Jones conceded the race Tuesday night as he trailed Gilbert by about 2 percentage points. Gilbert defeated six other Democrats competing for the open seat, including former U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, former Miami-Dade County Commissioner Jean Monestime and physician and veteran Rudolph Moise.

Gilbert will face Republican T.E. Brown in the November general election.

Wilson, who has represented the district since 2011, is not seeking reelection.

The district stretches across predominantly Black and Hispanic communities in northern Miami-Dade and southern Broward counties. It includes Miami Gardens, Opa-locka, North Miami, Little Haiti, Brownsville, West Park, Pembroke Park and parts of Miramar and Miami.

Gilbert, who received Wilson’s endorsement, made his experience in local government a central part of his campaign. He previously served as mayor of Miami Gardens before becoming a Miami-Dade County commissioner.