Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has been absent from the House of Representatives for weeks without providing an explanation.
The 83-year-old representative, who reportedly told allies in her district she intends to seek re-election, has not cast a vote in the House since April 17.
As of Wednesday, Wilson has missed 43 consecutive votes.
There had been rumors that Wilson was considering retirement following what sources described as major eye surgery. However, Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who represents Wilson’s district, confirmed during a recent phone call that she plans to seek another term.
Known for her bedazzled outfits and matching cowboy hats, Wilson is a legendary figure in Miami, having represented the city in the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate, and then Congress since 1998.
Wilson held a fundraiser in Miami on Monday. A source stated that “the woman I saw did not look like she was retiring.”
Despite her absence from Capitol Hill, Wilson has remained active on social media, recently sharing posts about hosting a Service Academy Day at FIU and emphasizing the value of military service for leadership.
A reporter noted that Wilson previously shared content about the same event in October.
Wilson has not publicly explained her absence, and neither her office nor House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’ office has responded to inquiries regarding her whereabouts.
Additionally, Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., R-NJ, who had been absent from voting since March 5, has missed a total of 68 votes. According to his staff, he is “attending to a personal health matter” and expects to return to regular duties soon.
Both representatives are running for re-election this year: Kean, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, is uncontested in the June primary but faces an uncertain outcome in his district; Wilson faces small business owner Christine Sanon-Jules Olivo in the August primary.