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.

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.

Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience

Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.

His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.

No Stranger to Running Against Wilson

Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.

He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.

With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.

Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape

Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.

The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.

As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.

With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Former Florida State Representative Daisy Morales is receiving growing encouragement from Puerto Rican community leaders, activists, clergy members, and business leaders across Central Florida to enter a 2026 county or state race amid increasing concerns about declining Puerto Rican representation in Florida politics.

Morales, one of the few Puerto Rican women elected to the Florida Legislature from Central Florida, won both the 2020 Democratic Primary and General Election in Florida House District 48. She previously served as Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor after winning countywide elections in 2014 and 2018.

Before her legislative service, Morales also spent more than 24 years serving with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Johnna Lopez, former Orange County School Board member, former executive director of the Alianza Center, and candidate for Florida House District 43, joins Samuel Vilchez Santiago, a former 2020 candidate for Florida House District 48, in supporting newcomer Rita Harris in the Florida House District 44 race. (2022)

In 2022, Morales lost her reelection bid following legislative redistricting that divided her former House District 48 into the newly created House Districts 43 and 44. Democrat Rita Harris later won the Democratic Primary and secured reelection in 2024.

During the 2020 Democratic Primary cycle, Morales defeated Venezuelan asylum seeker and political newcomer Samuel Vilchez Santiago despite his support from mass political endorsements and campaign allies. Morales supporters frequently point to her grassroots voter outreach, campaign organization, and strong community network as key factors behind her victory.

The redistricting changes and subsequent election outcomes have sparked ongoing discussions within segments of Central Florida’s Puerto Rican community regarding the future of Puerto Rican representation at the county, state, and congressional levels heading into the 2026 election cycle.

Growing Debate Over Puerto Rican Representation

Community advocates say many Puerto Rican voters are increasingly concerned about the possibility of declining Puerto Rican representation in elected office despite the community’s continued population growth and political influence throughout Central Florida.

Several leaders argue Puerto Rican voters have played a major role in Democratic victories across Orange County and Florida over the last decade while remaining underrepresented in major elected positions.

The debate has intensified as some community members argue the redistricting of Morales’ former district created the potential for expanded Puerto Rican representation in the Legislature, while others believe establishment political support shifted toward non-Puerto Rican candidates.

Those concerns have fueled renewed calls for Morales to consider a return to elected office.

Morales Viewed as Experienced and Electable Candidate

Supporters describe Morales as one of the most experienced Democratic candidates potentially available for county or legislative office in 2026.

Her résumé includes:

• Florida State Representative for District 48
• Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor
• More than 24 years of federal government service
• Proven Democratic primary and general election victories
• Countywide campaign experience
• Strong grassroots organizing network
• Bipartisan legislative accomplishments

Political supporters believe Morales would immediately become a top-tier contender in potential races for Orange County Commission Districts 4 or 8, as well as possible Florida House contests in Districts 35, 43, 44, or 47.

Several Democratic activists also believe Morales’ established relationships with veterans organizations, faith leaders, and Hispanic communities would provide a strong political foundation if she decides to run.

Daisy Morales’ Facebook Page

Legislative Accomplishments and State Laws

Supporters also point to Morales’ legislative record in Tallahassee, where she sponsored and co-sponsored multiple bills that ultimately became Florida law.

Among the measures frequently highlighted by supporters are legislation expanding benefits and protections for veterans, military families, homeowners, students, consumers, and working families throughout Florida.

Morales sponsored and supported legislation involving:

• Property tax relief measures
• Veterans and military family protections
• Consumer protection reforms
• Education and workforce initiatives
• Public safety and community programs
• Small business and economic development efforts

Supporters often point to House Bill 13, legislation that increased Florida property tax exemptions from $500 to $5,000 for widows, widowers, blind individuals, and persons who are totally and permanently disabled. The measure became part of a broader tax package signed into law in 2022.

House Bill 45, sponsored by Morales, expanded educational opportunities for disabled veterans in Florida and later became recognized as a national model for supporting veterans pursuing higher education and workforce advancement.

Political allies also highlight Morales’ bipartisan approach in the Legislature, arguing she worked across party lines to advance legislation benefiting everyday Floridians rather than focusing solely on partisan politics.

During her time in office, Morales served on multiple legislative committees and advocated on behalf of veterans, seniors, Puerto Rican families, first responders, small businesses, and underserved communities across Central Florida.

Supporters argue her legislative accomplishments and understanding of the state budget process distinguish her from many first-time candidates expected to enter the 2026 election cycle.

Community Leaders Publicly Encouraging a Campaign

Puerto Rican civic leaders, pastors, business owners, and longtime Democratic organizers have increasingly urged Morales to return to public office.

Supporters say they are seeking experienced leadership capable of building broad coalitions while advocating for working families, economic opportunity, public education, affordable housing, and minority representation.

Some advocates argue Morales’ history of winning competitive elections and serving diverse communities gives her credibility with both grassroots voters and moderate Democrats throughout Central Florida.

2026 Qualifying Deadline Approaching

Florida’s official candidate qualifying period is scheduled from noon June 8 through noon June 12, 2026, ahead of the Aug. 18, 2026 Florida Primary Election.

As the qualifying deadline approaches, political observers expect additional announcements from candidates throughout Orange County and Central Florida, particularly in competitive Democratic primaries where voter turnout and demographic representation are expected to play significant roles.

While Morales has not formally announced plans to seek office, speculation surrounding her political future continues growing as supporters intensify calls for her return to the ballot in 2026.

Morales did not respond to Florida National News requests for comment prior to publication of this article.