SOUTH FLORIDA — U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her candidacy last month for Florida's 20th Congressional District. This announcement follows the resignation of Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in April and the creation of new congressional maps signed by Governor Ron DeSantis.
Schultz, a resident of Florida's 22nd Congressional District, stated her intention to run for the 20th District to preserve her legislative seniority. She has served 11 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. She argued that Democratic control of the House would allow her to chair a congressional committee. Schultz said, "You have always been able to count on me to deliver results for our community." She also stated that House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries had not declined to endorse her, though Jeffries has not decided whether to endorse a candidate in the race.
Florida's 20th Congressional District has a plurality of Black voters, and a Black Democrat has represented the district for nearly 30 years. Primary candidate Elijah Manley, who was the first to enter the race, commented on Schultz's entry. "I would not have expected the call would come from inside the house. I didn't think a white Democrat would be the one to take away a Black seat." Manley said. Manley's campaign has raised $780,000, while her campaign has raised $2.5 million through March.
Primary candidate Luther Campbell, a recorded musical artist, released a video in May addressing her potential candidacy. Campbell said, "If her strategy is to come in because there are multiple Black candidates and hope we 'split the vote,' that's the same old playbook. Divide and conquer."
Four Black primary candidates, including Manley and former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, discussed consolidating behind one or two candidates to avoid splitting the Black vote. The candidates held a meeting on Monday but did not reach a final decision on consolidating the field. Manley said, "We agree on principle that there needs to be consolidation that increases chances of beating her head-to-head."
Schultz emphasized her outreach efforts. She said, "I'll continue to talk with Broward voters and make my case that I'll be the most effective representative for this whole community, and as always, I'm not taking any support for granted."