Frederica S. Wilson is a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Florida's 24th congressional district since January 3, 2011. Born on November 5, 1942, in Miami, Florida, she has a rich educational background, having graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior High School in 1959. Wilson obtained her Bachelor's degree from Fisk University in 1963 and later earned a Master's degree from the University of Miami in 1972. Before her tenure in Congress, she served as an elementary school principal and was actively involved in local education, serving on the Miami-Dade County school board and in the Florida state legislature.
In Congress, Wilson is known for her focus on education, women’s issues, and civil rights. She is a member of several key committees, including the Committee on Education and the Workforce, where she participates in shaping policy in regard to education and labor issues.
Wilson has sponsored and co-sponsored notable legislation addressing various issues. For example, she introduced the Jobs Now Act of 2025 (HB714), aimed at providing grants to local governments and community organizations for job retention and training of public service employees, especially in economically distressed areas. This reflects her commitment to workforce development and support for public servants.
Another significant bill she has championed is the Salad Bars in Schools Expansion Act (HB739), which seeks to amend the National School Lunch Act to promote better nutrition among students by increasing access to fruits and vegetables through salad bars in schools. This initiative directly addresses childhood obesity and encourages healthy eating habits among young people.
Wilson also plays a critical role in conversations about civil rights, as demonstrated by her co-sponsorship of the GOSAFE Act (HB2790), aiming to address firearm regulations, indicating her alignment with advocacy for gun safety and public security. Her legislative efforts point to a broader concern with social justice and equity issues.
As a member of the Florida congressional delegation, Wilson has also advocated for environmental protection through her support for the Florida Coastal Protection Act (HB2673), which seeks to restrict offshore energy exploration to protect the state’s vital marine environments.
Wilson's legislative positions and sponsorships underline her alignment with progressive Democratic values, primarily focusing on education, social equity, and public health. Her commitment to expanding access to educational resources, advocating for disadvantaged communities, and advocating for environmental protections are hallmarks of her service in Congress.
Outside her public service, Wilson is often involved in initiatives that aim to uplift her community, demonstrating a consistent focus on the issues that matter to her constituents in Florida.