83-year-old Rep. Frederica Wilson eyes reelection despite Hill absence

Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.) has told allies in her district that she plans to run for reelection despite her nearly month-long absence from the Hill, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: There had been rumors that the 83-year-old from Miami was considering retirement as she convalesced following what sources described as major eye surgery.

• But Florida state Sen. Shevrin Jones, who is from Wilson's district, told Axios she confirmed her plans to seek another term during a phone call the two had on Thursday afternoon.
• "What she just told me is that she's running for reelection ... she's not retiring," Jones said.

Zoom in: Known for her bedazzled outfits and matching cowboy hats, Wilson is a legendary figure in Miami, which, since 1998, she has represented in the Florida House, Florida Senate and then Congress.

• She held a fundraiser in Miami on Monday, with one source telling Axios: "The woman I saw on Monday didn't look like she was retiring."
• Spokespeople for Wilson's official House office and campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

What we're hearing: Wilson "missing votes is not a sign she's sick or retiring. It's a sign she's Freddy Wilson. She shows up when she wants to and when she has to. She's a force of nature," the source, who spoke to Axios anonymously, said.

• "People have been saying she's going to retire for 15 years, and it hasn't happened yet. I'll believe it when I see it."
• Wilson spoke to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), according to Jones, and "shared with Mr. Jeffries she had major eye surgery, but she will be back in D.C. next week. Next Wednesday."

Zoom out: Congress' aging membership has been a source of growing consternation on Capitol Hill in recent years, with Democrats in particular struggling with the issue.

• Four House Democrats who were 70 or older have died in the 119th Congress. Seven of the last eight House members to die in office were Democrats.
• Many of House Democrats' oldest members said at the start of this election cycle that they planned to run again, only to later announce their retirements.
• But others have held firm and refused to step aside, with several facing well-funded primary challengers as a result of their refusal to hand off the torch.