Missing lawmaker finally reveals reason for mysterious weekslong absence from voting

An 83-year-old Democratic lawmaker had vanished from Capitol Hill, not participating in votes for weeks, and fueling rumors that she was either about to retire or so ill her days were numbered.

But according to Axios, Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) has finally clarified her absence and made clear she is in fact still running for re-election.

Per the report, Wilson, who became famous nationally after President Donald Trump clashed with her in his first term, was undergoing a serious eye surgery procedure.

"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," said the report. "''What she just told me is that she's running for reelection ... she's not retiring,' Jones said."

Wilson is the second lawmaker on Capitol Hill to vanish for weeks under odd circumstances.

The first, Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), remains unaccounted for, with unspecified medical issues, and even Republican leadership is being kept in the dark about when he might return.