Zo knows: Alonzo Mourning backs Kendrick Meek Jr. in CD 24

Alonzo Mourning — NBA Hall of Famer, Olympic Gold Medalist and one of Miami's most prominent philanthropists — is backing Meek in the crowded Democratic Primary for Florida's 24th Congressional District.

“To truly serve South Florida, you have to be rooted in the community and willing to do the hard work on the ground,” Mourning said. “That is why I am proud to endorse Kendrick Meek. My respect for the Meek family runs deep, built on generations of their tireless service, leadership, and advocacy for working families in Miami-Dade.”

Mourning said his own work empowering young people through the Mourning Family Foundation and the Overtown Youth Center taught him what South Florida needs from its representatives in Washington.

“Kendrick is that leader. He brings direct federal legislative experience and White House experience to the table,” Mourning said. “Kendrick is ready on Day One to stand up for our neighborhoods, expand paths of opportunity for our kids, and secure the federal funding South Florida desperately needs.”

Mourning spent his playing days swatting away anything that came near the rim during more than a decade with the Miami Heat, a run that produced an NBA Championship and a spot in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Off the court, his foundation has raised millions for youth development programs, most notably spearheading the creation and expansion of the Overtown Youth Center, which provides education, enrichment and family support services to underserved communities.

“Alonzo Mourning is a champion both on the court and in the daily lives of countless families across Miami-Dade County,” Meek said. “Alonzo's transformative work through the Mourning Family Foundation and the Overtown Youth Center has changed the trajectory for generations of our youth. I am deeply honored to have his endorsement and his partnership. In Congress, I will match that same dedication to ensure our neighborhoods get the investment, affordable housing, and federal support they deserve.”

Meek is one of seven Democrats running for the deep-blue seat U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson is giving up, in a district that covers Miami Gardens in Miami-Dade County and stretches into Hollywood, Miramar and Pembroke Park in Broward County. For Meek, the seat is something of a family heirloom — his grandmother, Carrie Meek, and his father, former U.S. Rep. Kendrick Meek, both held it before Wilson.

The field he'll have to box out includes Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert, who has Wilson's backing, as well as Sen. Shevrin Jones, physician and veteran Rudy Moise and former Miami-Dade Commissioner Jean Monestime.

Mourning's nod adds to a growing endorsement roster for Meek, who has already picked up support from Jim Clyburn and Steven Horsford.

The Primary is Aug. 18. With nearly 69% of CD 24 voters backing Kamala Harris in 2024, the winner will be a heavy favorite in the Nov. 3 General Election.