Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Frederica Wilson

Updated: May 29, 2026

How Frederica Wilson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Frederica Wilson is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Representative for Florida's 24th congressional district since 2011. Her district encompasses a significant portion of eastern Miami-Dade County, including many of Miami's majority-black communities. Wilson is noted for her political career in Congress and for gaining national recognition in 2012 following her public remarks regarding the death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed African American teenager shot in Sanford, Florida.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

1992: Joined Miami-Dade County School Board

In 1992, Frederica Wilson left her position as principal to serve on the Miami-Dade County School Board.

1998: Represented 104th district in Florida House of Representatives

In 1998, Wilson represented the 104th district in the Florida House of Representatives.

2002: Represented 33rd district in Florida Senate

In 2002, Wilson represented the 33rd district in the Florida Senate.

2006: Served as Minority Leader Pro Tempore

In 2006, Wilson served as Minority Leader Pro Tempore in the Florida Senate, then Minority Whip.

2009: FBI secured funding for building

In 2009, the FBI secured funding for the building, before Wilson became a congresswoman in 2011.

2010: Ran for the Senate seat

In 2010, Kendrick Meek vacated his seat as he ran for a seat in the Senate.

2010: Won election to Congress

In 2010, Wilson ran for the open seat in Florida's 17th congressional district and won the November 2 general election after winning the Democratic nomination.

2011: Became a member of the House of Representatives

In 2011, Frederica Wilson became a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Florida's 24th congressional district.

2011: Wilson became a congresswoman

In 2011, Wilson became a congresswoman.

2011: Launched anti-hazing campaign

In 2011, Wilson was part of a coalition of African-American fraternity and sorority leaders who launched an anti-hazing campaign after the death of Robert Champion Jr.

2012: Proposed banning tutoring companies

In 2012, Wilson proposed that tutoring companies be banned from exploiting vulnerable children, "even if it means banning companies like Ignite! Learning, founded by ex-Governor Jeb Bush's brother, Neil".

2015: FBI field office dedication in Miami

In 2015, Wilson attended the dedication of an FBI field office in Miami, which Kelly cited as an example of her "politicizing what should be sacred moments".

December 18, 2019: Voted to impeach Donald Trump

On December 18, 2019, Frederica Wilson voted to impeach Donald Trump.

April 17, 2026: Last appearance in Congress

April 17, 2026, was the last time Wilson appeared in Congress before missing 43 consecutive votes.

May 13, 2026: 43 consecutive votes missed

By May 13, 2026, Wilson had missed 43 consecutive votes in Congress, without providing a public explanation, though she remained active on social media.