More than 150 supporters came to Greater New Bethel Baptist Church Monday night as South Florida pastors, community leaders and elected officials publicly endorsed State Sen. Shevrin Jones in his campaign for Florida’s 24th Congressional District seat.
The event came after Jones did not receive the endorsement of retiring U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, who instead backed Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III. Jones has since secured the backing of at least a dozen prominent Black clergy members, giving his campaign another influential coalition as the Democratic primary begins to take shape.
Monday night’s gathering felt like more than a typical endorsement event. It felt like church, a rival and at times a rally. It carried deep symbolism as pastors surrounded Jones at the altar, laid hands on him and closed the evening in prayer — a scene that echoed the iconic image of then-presidential candidate Barack Obama being prayed over by Black clergy during his historic 2008 campaign.
The moment also marked what many observers see as a significant shift within portions of the Black church. A coalition of Black male pastors publicly united behind an openly gay Black candidate for Congress, underscoring how political priorities and relationships continue to evolve within South Florida’s faith community.
Throughout the evening, several speakers passionately defended Jones’ candidacy while taking pointed shots at other candidates competing in the crowded Congressional District 24 race. Jones, meanwhile, focused his remarks on building momentum, thanking attendees for showing up despite severe weather and asking supporters to invest in his campaign through donations, volunteer work and grassroots organizing.
The turnout itself was notable. Heavy rain began just as the event was getting underway, and attendees navigated challenging conditions, including a downed power line near Northwest 22nd Avenue and 157th Street, not far from the church. Even so, supporters continued arriving, filling the sanctuary for the rally.
The event ended with Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies from Heaven” playing as guests exited the sanctuary — a song a Hy-Lo News commenter on Facebook guessed would be played during the event. Jones took pictures and greeted guests as they left and the Melodies played on.
With endorsements now coming from different corners of the Democratic establishment — Wilson backing Gilbert, Congressman Jim Clyburn backing Kendrick Meek Jr., and Black clergy rallying behind Jones — the race to succeed Frederica Wilson continues to highlight the different coalitions competing for influence in one of South Florida’s most closely watched congressional contests.
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