Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-Miami) announced she will run to replace Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-Miami Gardens) in Senate District 34 after Jones declared he will not be seeking another term earlier this week.
The announcement comes amid speculation Sen. Jones will run for U.S. Rep. Fredrica Wilson's (D-FL) District 24 seat after Wilson announced this week that she will not seek re-election for another congressional term.
Rep. Gantt, elected to House District 109, used her announcement to thank Wilson for her service.
"Today, I want to take a moment to honor a true South Florida icon, whose supreme service and selfless service is an example to us all. Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has spent her life fighting for our community, as a teacher, a state legislator, and for 16 years as a fearless voice for us in Congress," Gantt said in a statement. "Her signature hats are a legendary as her heart. We owe her a debt that cannot be repaid, and I am grateful for every door she opened and every barrier she broke."
Rep. Gantt was elected to HD 109 after defeating James Bush III with 52% of the vote in the Democratic primary in 2022, which served as the de-facto general election after it was canceled. Gantt won the seat again over Bush III and Roy Hardemon with 53% of the vote in 2024, which again served as the de-facto general election.
HD 109 includes Opa-Locka and Allapattah in Miami-Dade County. Gantt had been eligible to serve two more terms (or four consecutive terms) before deciding to step aside.
Her current term ends on Nov. 3, 2026.
Gantt, an attorney and law firm owner, graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in English and juris doctor from Shepard Broad College of Law at Nova Southeastern University. Gantt is also a former public-school teacher, and was a former public defender in Broward County.
The primary will be Aug. 18, 2026, with the general election on Nov. 3. Notably, SD 34's general election was cancelled after Sen. Jones won the primary in 2024, meaning Gantt, who is joined by Pitchie Escarment in the race, could secure the win in the August primary.
