Oliver Gilbert wins Democratic primary in Florida’s 24th Congressional District

Miami-Dade County Commissioner and former Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert III has won the Democratic primary for Florida’s 24th Congressional District, advancing to the November general election for a seat in the U.S. House.

Gilbert defeated his Democratic opponents in Tuesday’s primary and will face Republican Te Brown in the general election on Nov. 3.

The victory positions Gilbert to succeed longtime Democratic U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who announced in May that she would not seek reelection.

Wilson endorsed Gilbert and has backed his campaign to represent the heavily Democratic South Florida district.

“This race was never about me. It was about who makes decisions for the people of South Florida: the voters, the working families; or moneyed interests in Washington,” Gilbert said in a statement following his victory.

“Tonight, the voters of District 24 made it clear that it is the people who make the decisions around here.”

Gilbert thanked voters, volunteers, labor organizations, faith leaders and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava for supporting his campaign.

He gave special recognition to Wilson, saying she had encouraged him to run and carry forward her work on behalf of children, families and the district.

“She has spent decades fighting for children, for families, for this district,” Gilbert said. “Her legacy is not just what she built. It is what she demanded of those who carry it forward. I carry that torch.”

Gilbert, who previously served as mayor of Miami Gardens, has been a Miami-Dade County commissioner since 2020.

The 24th Congressional District encompasses parts of Miami-Dade and Broward counties, including Miami Gardens, North Miami, Opa-locka, Brownsville, Little Haiti, Miami Beach and portions of Miramar, Pembroke Park and West Park.

The district has a large Black and Caribbean American population and has long been considered a Democratic stronghold.