With Congresswoman Frederica Wilson retiring, multiple candidates are running to represent Florida’s District 24, which covers key neighborhoods across Miami, Miami Gardens and into southern Broward County.
On the Democrat side, it’s a congressional district where the race started out nice and turned nasty, with multiple candidates running ads against each other.
One campaign video accuses Oliver Gilbert of taking campaign donations from MAGA supporters of President trump.
Another accuses Shevrin Jones of voting in favor on renaming Palm Beach International Airport after President Trump.
Then last week, an ad sent via text message falsely claimed Jones, who is openly gay, was not allowed to donate blood because he is positive for HIV/AIDS.
Gilbert is a Miami-Dade commissioner and former mayor of Miami Gardens, while Jones is a member of the Florida Senate and former member of the Florida House of Representatives.
They’re two of seven Democrats running in Tuesday’s primary for District 24, one of the most Democratic districts in the state.
At a debate last month, the candidates talked about qualifications and issues.
“I have over 25 members of Congress that are supporting my campaign and I know I could bring those relationships to bear on behalf of this community if I’m elected,” said Kendrick Meek Jr., an attorney and son of former Congressman Kendrick Meek.
“Congress needs to force the president to stop that war, and reinvest those dollars in the retraining of employees,” said Jean Monestime, a long-time Miami-Dade commissioner.
“We can’t just talk about creating jobs without not addressing The elephant in the room, and once you get that job how do you survive here in South Florida?” said Jones.
Gilbert touted his endorsement from Frederica Wilson.
“I appreciate everyone’s experience, but mine is one of absolute work and results and that is why I am endorsed Frederica Wilson,” he said.
The other three candidates are Rudy Moise, a physician and retired Air Force colonel, attorney Roderick Vereen and Marshall Davis, long-time Managing Director of the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center.
On the Republican side, Te Brown isn’t facing anyone.
“Oliver Gilbert was seen as the hands-on favorite but many believe his best day was the first day of the campaign and sometimes name recognition and money helps to some extent, but then actually ends up being a hindrance,” NBC6 political analyst Alex Penelas said.