MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — Democratic State Sen. Shevrin Jones announced Wednesday that he will not seek re-election to Florida Senate District 34, ending a 13-year tenure in the Florida Legislature and fueling speculation about a possible run for Congress.

Jones, who has represented Senate District 34 since 2020, shared the decision in a video posted on social media.

“After a lot of prayer, reflection, and honest conversations with the people closest to me, I’ve decided that I will not seek re-election to the Florida Senate,” Jones said.

13 Years in the Florida Legislature

Jones was first elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2012, where he served until his election to the Florida Senate in 2020. During his legislative career, he emerged as one of South Florida’s most prominent Democratic lawmakers, advocating on issues including education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and civil rights.

His decision not to seek another term marks the end of more than a decade of service in Tallahassee.

Speculation Grows About Congressional Bid

Jones’ announcement comes as political observers speculate that he may be preparing a campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District.

The seat is expected to become open following Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s decision not to seek re-election in 2026. Wilson has represented the district since 2011 and remains one of South Florida’s most influential Democratic leaders.

Although Jones did not formally announce plans for another office, he acknowledged public interest regarding his political future.

“I know there’s been a lot of conversation about what’s next for me,” Jones said. “And there will be time to talk about that at a later date.”

Open Congressional Seat Draws Attention

Wilson’s departure is expected to trigger a competitive race to succeed her in Congress, with several current and former elected officials reportedly considering bids for the seat.

Jones’ decision to leave the Florida Senate immediately places him among the names being discussed as a potential contender for the congressional district, which includes portions of Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

BOCA RATON, Fla. (FNN) — Andy Thomson has won the race to become the next mayor of Boca Raton, marking a major political shift in the South Florida city. According to Democratic leaders, the victory represents the first time in more than 30 years that the mayoral seat has been held by a Democratic-aligned candidate.

National Democrats also highlighted the win as part of a broader trend in recent elections. Party officials say Democrats have either won or exceeded expectations in roughly 90% of key races since Donald Trump was elected president.

The victory follows another recent Democratic gain in South Florida, when Eileen Higgins won the mayoral race in Miami last year.

DNC ORGANIZING EFFORTS BACKED THOMSON CAMPAIGN

The Democratic National Committee supported Thomson’s campaign through Election Day with voter outreach and organizing efforts aimed at boosting turnout in Boca Raton.

According to party officials, the DNC launched an organizing blitz that recruited volunteers and supported get-out-the-vote (GOTV) operations. The effort included contacting thousands of voters across the city ahead of Election Day.

The DNC’s voter protection team also partnered with the Florida Democratic Party to assist the campaign with ballot-curing efforts during the final days of vote counting.

DNC CHAIR PRAISES VICTORY

Following the election, Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, praised Thomson’s campaign and framed the result as a warning sign for Republicans in Florida.

“When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere — including here in Florida,” Martin said in a statement. “Mayor-elect Andy Thomson ran a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Boca Raton voters, from the rising cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump and his allies unleashed.”

Martin added that the outcome signals voter frustration with Republican policies in the state.

“This win is another warning sign to Florida Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is making communities like Boca Raton unaffordable,” he said.