Topline
Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., is retiring from Congress after a wave of absences from the House floor in April and May, according to multiple reports, stepping down not long after she denied a “crazy rumor” that she was exiting.
Wilson announced her exit from Congress on Friday morning.
Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images
Key Facts
Wilson, 83, told the Miami Herald she would not seek her ninth term in Congress, saying, “I think it’s time.”
Wilson noted she was not retiring from political work, telling the Herald she is working on a memoir and may work to register voters.
The congresswoman initially denied a “crazy rumor” earlier this month that she was retiring from Congress, telling Axios, “I am still planning on running.”
Wilson also told the Herald she held off on announcing her exit from Congress because of a redrawing of Florida’s congressional maps, expressing concern her district might be “an easy target” without her leading it.
Wilson’s district remains Democratic-leaning following the changes to Florida’s congressional map.
Why Was Wilson Absent From Congress?
Wilson said her absence was due to surgery she received on her left eye, noting in a statement earlier this month that she was unable to fly under her doctors’ orders. The congresswoman said she stayed active in local political and advocacy work during her time away from the House.
Big Number
43. That is how many consecutive votes Wilson missed from April 17 to May 14.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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