'The progressive leader South Florida needs': Nancy Pelosi backs Kendrick Meek Jr. for CD 24

U.S. House Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi is throwing her support behind lawyer Kendrick Meek Jr.'s bid for Florida's 24th Congressional District, calling him a strong voice who will protect Black representation in Congress and the South.

In a statement Meek's campaign shared with media this week, Pelosi emphasized Meek's progressive platform and familial commitment to public service.

“Kendrick Meek is exactly the progressive leader that South Florida needs right now, and I am proud to offer him my full endorsement,” she said.

“The continuing threats to Black representation in Congress — and especially in the South — make this race absolutely critical. We simply must send the strongest fighter to represent this District in Washington.”

In speaking of Black representation being under threat, Pelosi is likely referring to redistricting Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Legislature approved in 2022 that reduced the number of Black-performing districts in the state.

Before retiring U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson held the CD 24 seat, it was held by Meek's grandmother Carrie Meek and father Kendrick Meek Sr. Pelosi spoke of that heritage, particularly of Meek's grandmother's advocacy.

“Kendrick’s grandmother, the legendary Carrie Meek, and I were allies and seatmates on the Appropriations Committee where I saw firsthand the fierce dedication that she had for her community,” she said. “That same fight courses through Kendrick’s veins. I have no doubt that Kendrick will be an unyielding champion for equity, justice and progress as the representative for Florida's 24th District in the Congress.”

The nod from Pelosi, announced Wednesday, adds to others from U.S. Reps. Joyce Beatty and Jim Clyburn, Miami-Dade School Board Member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, former U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, Congressional Black Caucus Chair Emeritus Steven Horsford, and NBA Hall of Famer Alonzo Mourning.

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), which represents some 230,000 workers, is also backing Meek, who lauded Pelosi's leadership in tough times.

He said he is “deeply honored” by her endorsement.

“Speaker Pelosi is a true hero of mine, and she certainly knows a thing or two about taking on Donald Trump,” he said. “She has shown us all what it looks like to lead with courage, hold power accountable, and fight for the American people. In Congress, I will bring that same relentless energy to stand up for our values, lower costs for families, and protect our freedoms.”

A University of Miami-trained lawyer who filed for the race in early June, Meek has worked as a House Judiciary Committee intern, a legal assistant with the Human Rights Campaign and served at the federal Office of Management and Budget.

He now practices land use, zoning and real estate development law as an associate at LSN Law.

Meek is one of seven Democrats running in CD 24, which covers Miami Gardens in Miami-Dade and Hollywood, Miramar, and Pembroke Park in Broward County.

Others running include Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, state Sen. Shevrin Jones, physician-veteran Rudy Moise and former County Commissioner Jean Monestime.

More than 68.7% of voters there backed Kamala Harris in 2024, making the Democratic Primary the race that will effectively determine who succeeds retiring U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson.

The Primary is Tuesday, followed by the General Election on Nov. 3.