House Democrat Frederica Wilson (D-FL) announced on Friday she will not seek re-election in the 2026 midterms.

Wilson described her decision as necessary, stating, “This has been a journey, but it’s time.”

She is the 60th House lawmaker this cycle to announce retirement or a higher office bid.

At 83, Wilson had previously vowed to seek re-election in 2026 despite growing voter demands for generational change among Congress members.

Wilson recently underwent eye surgery and missed a month of voting sessions as she recovered. Her Miami congressional district lost coastal areas during the GOP’s redistricting efforts but remained deeply blue, suggesting she would likely have been re-elected to her ninth term.

Wilson indicated she waited until after new maps were finalized to announce her retirement, aiming to prevent her district from being targeted by opponents.

Days ago, Wilson dismissed reports of her retirement as a “crazy rumor.” A reporter noted that Wilson had called local allies to share the news before denying it, calling it a “crazy crazy rumor” that left her “almost distraught.”

Wilson returned to Capitol Hill on May 21 after missing over 40 votes during her absence.

In 2017, Wilson faced a public clash with former President Trump following the death of Army Sgt. La David Johnson in Niger. She claimed she was with Johnson’s widow when Trump called to offer condolences and later alleged that Trump stated the soldier “knew what he signed up for,” a claim Trump and his aides denied.

The dispute intensified when then-White House chief of staff John Kelly defended Trump during a White House briefing, criticizing Wilson for politicizing solemn moments to gain political advantage.