Still Undecided? Compare the 2026 Candidates Running to Represent Florida’s Congressional District 24

Election season is in full swing and there are 10 candidates vying to represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District, which spans across some of Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Sought after by Democratic, Republican and Independent candidates, the person who wins this seat will have the hefty responsibility of representing one of the few remaining predominantly Black Districts in South Florida. Early voting is already underway for the Aug. 18 primary, but polls show there are still many undecided voters waiting until election day to select the candidate they believe is best suited to fight for them in Washington. Not only will the upcoming primary decide who advances to the general election, it will also reveal who voters believe will best address the issues affecting their everyday lives in an increasingly polarized political landscape.

Residents continue to raise concerns over issues like the cost of living, wages, housing affordability, immigration, education, the survival of small businesses, gentrification and more. Here at Hy-Lo News, we believe our community deserves more than promises on the campaign trail. They should be aware of the background, strategic plans and previous accomplishments of those asking for their vote so they can make an informed decision when casting their ballots. The next representative for District 24 will have a voice in shaping federal policies and funding decisions that directly affect South Florida families, businesses and neighborhoods. Recently. this race has taken a turn away from civility and candidates have been attacked with false, malicious claims. The only claims we believe should matter is why each candidate believes they are the best fit for the job, and the receipts they hold to underscore it. As a result, we wanted to delve more deeply into whether or not their past actions align with their current words.

We sent questionnaire to every candidate in the race regarding how they have addressed residents’ most pressing concerns in the past and how that will translate to the work they will do in Washington if elected. Please make sure you don’t just take their word for it. Do your own research and fact-checking to see if the claims are true. Six of the 10 candidates responded. Due to some candidates lack of political experience, some answers were aspirational, not hardcore accomplishments. We have compiled this comprehensive guide that includes a brief bio of each candidate, the questions that were asked and the answers of the six respondents. PLEASE NOTE: Some responses have been edited for brevity and clarity. If a candidate’s response is excluded, that means they did not provide a response to that question by the deadline.

Meet the Congressional District 24 Candidates

(Candidate profiles are listed in alphabetical order.)

Te Mayonna Brown (Republican)

Te Mayonna Brown is an entrepreneur, real estate developer, former educator and community leader who has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods and help families achieve the American Dream. Born and raised on the west side of Chicago, Brown credits overcoming a tough environment and her Christian faith and values with helping her develop the resilience necessary to succeed in life. She graduated from Austin High School in Chicago then furthered her education at Harold Washington College and Roosevelt University. Brown told Hy-Lo her educational experience combined with years of hands on business leadership prepared her to become an educator. “I opened up daycare centers, Montessori schools, and academies long before becoming an entrepreneur, a community builder, and an advocate for economic development, growth, and freedom,” Brown said. A dedicated mother, Brown homeschools her children. She is a self-proclaimed “pro-MAGA, pro-constitution Conservative.” Since she now resides in South Florida, Brown said she aims to help families in the place she now calls home. In a statement to Hy-Lo News, Brown said she “decided to run for Congress because she believes Washington has become too focused on political division and not focused enough on delivering results for the people it serves.” As the only Republican in the race, Brown is guaranteed to run in the general election. Visit her campaign website to learn more about her platform and priorities.

Andy Daro (Independent)

Andy Daro is a commissioner for the City of North Bay Village, a seat he has held since 2022. Born and raised in Connecticut, Daro migrated to Florida over a decade ago. The founder of The Daro Team at Compass, Daro has a background in luxury real estate and entrepreneurship. According to his online commission bio, Daro holds a Bachelor’s of Economics from Manhattanville University and also took classes at the University of Rome. He will be on the General Election ballot. In a candidate statement on localcandidates.org, Daro said, “I’m not running because I’m a career politician. I’m running because I’m a husband, a father, a small business owner, and someone who believes that government should work for the people again. And because, I love America.” He continued, “As an Independent, I refuse to believe that every issue must be viewed through a red or blue lens. Most Americans are somewhere in the middle, working hard, raising families, and looking for practical solutions rather than partisan fighting.” Daro still resides in North Bay Village with his wife Krisztina and son Aleksander. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities. ***Please Note: Andy Daro did not respond to our questionnaire. The preceding biographical information was pulled from online profiles.

Marshall Davis Sr. (Democrat)

Marshall Davis is one of the most respected living legends in South Florida. For over 43 years, the visionary artist has used his gifts, business acumen, advocacy and influence to lead, serve and build his community. Through his work as the Managing Director of the notable Liberty City-based Marshall L. Davis, Sr. African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, which was renamed to bear his moniker in 2024, Davis has provided countless youth, educators, artists and local residents with a plethora of developmental and economic opportunities. Many cite him as being responsible for helping turn some of their childhood dreams into impactful careers. A proud Miami native who grew up in Overtown and Liberty City, Davis holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida Atlantic University. He is also a graduate of the historic Miami Northwestern Senior High School. Prior to leading the AHCAC, Davis was an educator for Miami Dade County Public Schools. He has received numerous awards for his service including The State of Florida Folk Heritage Award, Congressional Recognition & Tributes, Visionary Arts & Leadership Awards from the Adrienne Arsht Center, the Inaugural Vinnette Carroll Award from the Carbonell Association, The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation “Knight Arts Champion” award and the African-American Achievers Award for Arts & Culture from JM Family Enterprises, among others. told Hy-Lo News his core governing philosophy is, “When you protect a community’s land, invest in its small businesses, and treat the development of its children as its most critical infrastructure, you do not just save a neighborhood—you change the world.” Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities.

Oliver Gilbert (Democrat)

Oliver Gilbert is a long-term community leader who’s spent nearly two decades as a public official. Currently an outgoing Miami-Dade County Commissioner, Gilbert served as chair of the governing body for two years. He also chaired the Miami-Dade Transportation Planning Organization and the Southeast Florida Transportation Council. During his commission tenure, Gilbert said his focus was on making “Miami-Dade a truly world-class community.” Prior to becoming a county commissioner, Gilbert served as a city councilman and mayor of Miami Gardens. Before entering politics, Gilbert was an attorney by trade. He began his legal career as a prosecutor then became a partner at a law firm. He holds a bachelor’s in criminal justice from Florida A&M University and a law degree from the University of Miami, the latter of which he earned with the distinction of honors. A Miami Gardens native, Gilbert attended Jackson’s Toddle Inn, Miami Union Academy, Parkview Elementary, Parkway Middle and Miami Norland Senior High. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. The son of a teacher and Baptist preacher, Gilbert credits his parents with helping shape him into a critical thinker. “I grew up in Miami Gardens. I went to school here. I served here. And every step of that journey is the reason I’m running for Congress,” Gilbert told Hy-Lo News. “What I’ve seen serving this community is simple. People want the same things. Good schools. Healthcare they can actually access. A commute that doesn’t take their life from them. A small business that can compete. A future their kids can build on. That’s what this campaign is about. Not running against anyone. Running toward something. Common Sense. Common Values,” Gilbert continued. Also a husband and father, Gilbert still resides in Miami Gardens with his wife Walkiria. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities.

Patricia Gonzalez (Independent)

Patricia Gonzalez is a write-in candidate for the CD24 race and will appear on the General Election ballot. She ran in the Republican primary for Congressional District 2024, but was defeated by Jesus Navarro. According to a profile on iVoter Guide, Gonzalez is a Conservative Christian Entrepreneur. We were unable to locate a campaign website for her. ***Please Note: Patricia Gonzalez did not respond to our questionnaire. The preceding biographical information was pulled from online profiles.

Shevrin Jones (Democrat)

Shevrin Jones is an outgoing Florida State Senator who’s spent much of his adult life in public service. Prior to being elected to the Florida Senate, Jones served in the Florida House. During his time in the Florida Legislature, Jones was unanimously elected to serve as Senate Democratic Leader-designate and the immediate past Chair of Miami-Dade Democrats. He served on President Barack Obama’s College Promise Task Force as well as President Biden’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). He is also currently Vice Chair of the Rules Committee. As a legislator, Jones has championed meaningful bipartisan legislation, including bills to secure dignity for incarcerated women; statewide expansion of a clean syringe exchange program; safety and oversight for youth athletic coaches; and ensuring transparency and accountability via police body cameras. Before entering politics, Jones was an educator and non-profit founder, teaching AP Chemistry at Florida Atlantic University High, serving as Executive Director of the South Florida Reading Corps. then going on to found L.E.A.D. Nation, a non-profit organization committed to youth leadership development and social entrepreneurship training. Raised by a pastor and teacher, Jones credits his parents with teaching him the values of education, faith and community service. Affectionately known as “Shev,” Jones is a native of Miami Gardens and graduate of American Senior High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from Florida A&M University, a Master of Education from Florida Atlantic University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Leadership from his graduate alma mater. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and told Hy-Lo News he is “is dedicated to fostering collaborative solutions that improve the lives of families and communities.” Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities.

Kendrick Meek Jr. (Democrat)

Kendrick Meek Jr. is a 29-year-old attorney, advocate, and public policy professional who boasts a powerful family legacy of public service. As the grandson of the late, history-making Congresswoman Carrie Meek and the son of former Congressman Kendrick Meek, he has watched his family spend decades fighting for economic justice, educational opportunity, voting rights, and opportunity for South Florida families. Born and raised in the Golden Glades neighborhood, Meek told Hy-Lo News he is deeply connected to the community that shaped his family. He is also proud of his Jamaican heritage through his mother’s side of the family, reflecting the rich Caribbean traditions and immigrant experiences that are an essential part of South Florida’s story. An attorney by trade, Meek said he is dedicated to helping communities navigate growth and economic development through his work in land use, zoning, and real estate development. Before returning home to Florida, he served in Washington, D.C., at the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President and on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, where he worked on policy issues affecting communities across the country. Meek’s current community involvement includes serving as the Vice President for Government and Political Affairs for the Miami-Dade Young Democrats and as a Board Member for the Claude Pepper Foundation. Meek graduated cum laude from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a focus on public policy and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of Miami School of Law, where he was a Miami Scholar for Public Interest. Inspired by the example of his parents and grandparents, Kendrick believes public service is about creating opportunity, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring that every family has a fair shot at success. “I am running for Congress because South Florida families are doing everything right but are still falling behind under a crushing affordability crisis. I am uniquely prepared to walk into the House of Representatives on Day One and deliver the resources our district desperately needs,” Meek said. He currently resides in Liberty City. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities.

Rudolph Moise (Democrat)

Dr. Rudy Moise is a physician, Air Force veteran, and community leader who said he believes public service means putting people first. He built his career expanding access to health care, serving in the military, and advocating for working families. He is the owner and medical director of Comprehensive Medical Aesthetics. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Moise immigrated to the United States in the 1970s. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois-Chicago, then went on to earn his Doctor of Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Moise moved to Miami in the 1980s where he furthered his education. He earned an MBA and law degree from the University of Miami and passed the state bar exam. Early in his medical career, Moise focused on closing the gap in medical care for Haitian refugees who only spoke Kreyol. After opening his own practice, he also used his influence to serve on numerous business and civic boards. Moise received the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for his community service in 2023. He currently lives in South Florida with his wife, Mirjam, and they are the proud parents of two children. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities. ***Please Note: Dr. Rudolph Moise did not respond to our questionnaire. The preceding biographical information was pulled from online profiles.

Jean Monestime (Democrat)

Jean Monestime is a respected public servant with more than two decades of leadership experience in government and community development. He served 12 years as a Miami-Dade County Commissioner, including two years as Chairman of the Board. during his tenure, he was widely recognized for his work in economic development, infrastructure investment, small business advocacy, and expanding opportunities for underserved communities. Monestime immigrated to the United States from Haiti over 50 years ago and attended Edison High School. Faced with learning a new language and culture, Monestime worked hard to attain success. He holds an MBA from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Florida International University. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where he completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. He’s also received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce’s M. Athalie Range Pioneer for Progress Award, the Miami-Dade Democratic Party’s Breaking Barriers Award, and the Elected Official of the Year award from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), South Florida Chapter, in 2015—becoming the first county commissioner to receive this distinction. Monestime is a proud entrepreneur and currently serves as Managing Partner of JEMO Enterprises, LLC, a full-service real estate, insurance, and government consulting firm. Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities.

Roderick Vereen (Democrat)

Roderick Vereen is a Southern University Law Center Hall of Fame attorney, past president of the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. Bar Association and graduate of Florida State University. As an Assistant Federal Public Defender, Vereen boasts more then 35 years of experience and is the chair of his own namesake firm. In an interview, Vereen said, “I am running for Congress, District 24, because I believe that my 36 years of practicing federal and state law makes me the candidate with the most federal experience, knowledge and training in criminal federal law, which will enable me to understand federal legislation, policy-making and agency oversight that is essential to not only address matters that occur nationally and internationally, but also locally.” Visit his campaign website to learn more about his platform and priorities. ***Please Note: Roderick Vereen did not respond to our questionnaire. The preceding biographical information was pulled from online profiles.

Now we’ll see where the candidates stand on the issues. The following pages will include the questions we asked and the candidates’ responses, some of which have been edited for brevity and clarity.