83-year-old Rep. Frederica Wilson eyes reelection despite Hill absence (axios.com)

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.