Democrat Oliver Gilbert and Republican Te Mayonna Brown are running to replace U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson in Florida’s 24th Congressional District, which covers parts of northern Miami-Dade County and southern Broward County. Wilson is retiring and has endorsed Gilbert, a former mayor of Miami Gardens who served from 2012 to 2020.
Gilbert, who announced on May 29 that he will resign from the Miami-Dade County Commission effective Jan. 3, and Brown both said residents in the district are struggling with the cost of living.
Gilbert blamed tariffs, the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and the Trump administration’s immigration approach for rising costs. He said he supports Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, arguing that the country has long offered refuge to people who could not safely return home.
Brown laid out a different view on immigration. She said immigrants should either pursue a path to citizenship, seek permanent residency or leave the country.
The candidates’ comments came as voters in the district weigh how each would address costs for households in the region.
