exclusive interview with The Miami Herald<\/a> that she will not be seeking another term in Congress.<\/p>\nDuring Friday\u2019s ceremony, several local and state leaders stepped up to the podium to praise the congresswoman for her decades of dedication and work for the community and the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cYour work is not just local, it\u2019s not just national, it\u2019s global and I would say, eternal,\u201d said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re not just a leader, you\u2019re a legend, you\u2019re a living legend and your legend is built on absolute facts,\u201d said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou are honored, you are treasured and we want only the best for you,\u201d said Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris.<\/p>\n
Then, with her signature sense of humor and style, it was her turn to speak. She told the crowd it was time. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe congresswoman is not going to seek another term. Even leather wears out,\u201d she said. \u201cIt has been quite a journey, and I want you to understand the power of the vote.\u201d<\/p>\n
Republican congressman and former Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gim\u00e9nez released a statement on Wilson\u2019s decision:<\/p>\n
\u201cA trailblazing educator, stateswoman, and incredibly effective legislator who has earned the respect of her colleagues on both sides of the aisle.\u201d<\/p>\n
Wilson has represented District 24 for the past 15 years, and her announcement came amid rumors that she would step down.<\/p>\n
The congresswoman has missed dozens of congressional votes and confirmed she had to undergo eye surgery recently that prevented her from taking part.<\/p>\n
Wilson said her focus will soon be centered around her 5,000 Roles Models of Excellence Project, a mentoring program the congresswoman founded in the \u201990s.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd I will have to do it. I want to do it because I know I want to interrupt the school-to-prison pipeline,\u201d said Wilson.<\/p>\n
The street renamed after Wilson runs through the school that is named after her, also known as Skyway Elementary, which is currently under construction.<\/p>\n
Her eventual successor will have a towering legacy and large shoes to fill.<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you for this wonderful, wonderful blessing of serving you for over 33 years,\u201d said Wilson.<\/p>\n
While no Democratic candidates have officially stepped forward to run for Wilson\u2019s seat, some prospective officials have recently announced they would be stepping down from their current positions and are likely expected to run for her congressional seat in November.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2026 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.<\/p>\n
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