Florida Democrat Recovering From Eye Surgery Explains Absence From House Votes

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) confirmed Thursday evening that she is recovering from eye surgery after a weekslong absence from Capitol Hill. “Following left eye surgery, my priority has been ensuring a full and responsible recovery,” Wilson said. “Although I am currently unable to fly under my doctors’ orders, my work has not stopped for a single day.

” Wilson, 83, has not cast a vote since April 17. The Florida Democrat, who has been in office since 2013, has missed 49 roll call votes. ” She added that serving the people of Florida’s 24th Congressional District has been the work of her entire adult life and that her commitment to constituents is unwavering.

Scrutiny over Wilson’s missed House votes increased on Thursday. Her statement did not indicate when she planned to return to Washington.

Democrats told the Washington Examiner prior to the release of Wilson’s statement that they were not aware she was missing votes. A staff member for a third Florida Democrat confirmed that lawmaker has not spoken to her. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters on Thursday that Wilson is “recovering from a procedure,” and that he expected her to be back shortly.

Wilson’s absence from Capitol Hill comes after Florida’s legislature passed a new congressional map that could deliver additional House seats to Republicans. The map is expected to give Republicans a 24-4 advantage over Florida Democrats heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

Wilson’s seat in Florida’s 24th Congressional District is considered solid Democrat under the new map. When asked about transparency regarding members’ health, one Florida Democrat said members should generally be transparent but that people get procedures done all the time.

Another said people with health issues need to be given time to take care of them.