Despite backlash, Wasserman Schultz will run for a ‘Black seat’ representing parts of Broward County

ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA — Florida’s 20th Congressional District has been represented by a Black American for more than 30 years. Whether it will be in future is an open question, now that Wasserman Schultz has entered the chat.

Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced today that she will throw her hat in the ring to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District — a seat that has had Black representation for more than 30 years. 

Wasserman Schultz currently represents Congressional District 25, which was redrawn in the rushed redistricting approved by Gov. Ron DeSantis earlier this month. 

Her decision to switch districts pits Wasserman Schultz - a 22-year House veteran and former Democratic National Committee chair — against seven Black Democratic candidates in the August 18 primary election, including former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned the district 20 seat in late April under threat of a House investigation for allegedly stealing federal funds. 

Others in the race include Luke Campell, also known as Uncle Luke of rap group 2 Live Crew; Attorney Mark Douglas; former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness; educator and community organizer Elijah Manley; physician and former flight surgeon Rudolph Moise; and Maisha Williams, a former congressional staffer and stepdaughter of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings.

High-profile Black leaders have pushed back against the decision. The Democratic Black Caucus of Broward issued a public statement urging Wasserman Schultz not to run in district 20. POLITICO reports that State Sen. Shevrin Jones “called Wasserman Schultz a “friend” but said he disagreed with her decision.” In a statement on the topic, Jones noted, “My fight is for Black representation, and I am in the business of expanding it, not diminishing it.”

Meanwhile, Wasserman Schultz has released a number of endorsements by Black and diverse leaders, and told POLITICO that she has the support of Black leaders in the district. Watch her announcement video here. 

The Power Broker Magazine will follow this race. District 20 is one of nearly 20 U.S. House races where redistricting efforts across the South put Black representation at risk.