Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has gone ‘missing’ in the House of Representatives for weeks without an explanation.
Wilson, who reportedly told allies in her district that she intends to seek re-election, has not voted in the House since April 17.
She has missed 43 consecutive votes as of Wednesday, Forbes noted.
83-year-old Rep. Frederica Wilson eyes reelection despite Hill absence https://t.co/3EdxiT4JE7
— Axios (@axios) May 14, 2026
Axios has more:
There had been rumors that the 83-year-old from Miami was considering retirement as she convalesced following what sources described as major eye surgery.
But Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is from Wilson’s district, told Axios she confirmed her plans to seek another term during a phone call the two had on Thursday afternoon.
“What she just told me is that she’s running for reelection … she’s not retiring,” Jones said.
Known for her bedazzled outfits and matching cowboy hats, Wilson is a legendary figure in Miami, which, since 1998, she has represented in the Florida House, Florida Senate and then Congress.
She held a fundraiser in Miami on Monday, with one source telling Axios: “The woman I saw on Monday didn’t look like she was retiring.”
Despite the Capitol Hill absence, Wilson has remained active on social media.
“As students plan their futures, service through a U.S. Service Academy remains a powerful path to leadership, discipline, and opportunity. I was proud to host a Service Academy Day at FIU, bringing together representatives to share guidance with the next generation. For nomination information, visit my website or call my office,” Wilson posted to X on Tuesday.
As students plan their futures, service through a U.S. Service Academy remains a powerful path to leadership, discipline, and opportunity.
I was proud to host a Service Academy Day at FIU, bringing together representatives to share guidance with the next generation.
For… pic.twitter.com/SLDvSWb5lw
— Rep. Frederica Wilson (@RepWilson) May 12, 2026
According to reporter Jamie Dupree, Wilson previously posted about the same event in October.
“Rep. Frederica Wilson D-FL missed all 10 votes on Wednesday in the House. Wilson has now missed 43 straight votes – she last voted on April 17. Wilson’s X account this week sent out photos of a Service Academy day – but pictures from the same event were posted last October,” Dupree said.
Rep. Frederica Wilson D-FL missed all 10 votes on Wednesday in the House. Wilson has now missed 43 straight votes – she last voted on April 17.
Wilson’s X account this week sent out photos of a Service Academy day – but pictures from the same event were posted last October pic.twitter.com/ncemZstJGP
— Jamie Dupree (@jamiedupree) May 13, 2026
Forbes shared further:
Wilson has not publicly explained her absence, and neither her office nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ office responded to Forbes’ questions about where she has been.
Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., R-N.J., who had a near-perfect voting record until he cast his last vote on March 5, has missed 68 votes since.
Kean’s chief of staff, Dan Scharfenberger, referred Forbes to a previous statement he provided to the New Jersey Globe: Kean is “attending to a personal health matter” and will be returning to a regular full schedule soon,” Scharfenberger said, adding, “the Congressman’s team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted.”
Both are running for re-election this year and could lose their seats—Kean, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is uncontested in the June primary, but his district is widely considered a toss-up, and while Wilson’s leans solidly blue, she faces small business owner Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo in the August primary.
