Debbie Wasserman Schultz Enters Race for Florida’s District 20

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a veteran Democrat in Congress, announced her candidacy for Florida’s District 20. This follows the recent mid-decade redistricting. If she wins, she will represent several cities including southern Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, and Tamarac.

Four Black candidates in the Democratic primary for Florida’s 20th congressional district convened in a private meeting on Monday. Their goal was to unite behind one candidate to better compete against Wasserman Schultz. Three attendees confirmed that the consensus was to narrow the race to Wasserman Schultz and a single Black candidate. This approach aims to boost their chances in a district originally drawn for Black representation.

As of Tuesday night, the candidates had not yet decided who would be their representative. Candidate Elijah Manley, alongside Luther Campbell, Dale Holness, and former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, attended the meeting. Manley expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached before the end of the qualifying period.

“I think we’re all going to come to some agreement before the end of qualifying,” Manley stated.

Discussions have continued since the meeting. These talks take place following the Florida Legislature’s redrawing of voting maps. The revised map repositioned predominantly Black communities into majority white districts. It also divided Wasserman Schultz’s previous district, prompting her campaign for District 20.

Wasserman Schultz stated that the Congressional Black Caucus and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries acknowledged her understanding of local communities. Although Jeffries highlighted her accomplishments, he did not give an official endorsement.

The 20th District was established by a federal court in 1992 under the Voting Rights Act. It served as a response to racial discrimination and led to the election of Black representatives from the state. Gov. Ron DeSantis altered Florida’s congressional maps, affecting this district, which raises Republican prospects for maintaining control of the House.

Cherfilus-McCormick emphasized the need to preserve representation and history. She noted that there is a significant attack on Black political representation and voter influence across the South.

“If we allow them to erase the history, we’re back here all over again,” she remarked.

She also urged the Democratic Party to address Wasserman Schultz’s impact on Black political representation.

“We have been supporting every single Democratic person on the ballot, and for them not to support us in this moment is totally ridiculous, and we’re not standing for it,” she stated.

Luther Campbell described the congressional race as pivotal for the Democratic Party. He underscored the sentiment of disenfranchisement among Black voters, particularly Black males.

“At the end of the day, we all had a good conversion,” Campbell said. “But the main thing is beating her.”

The qualifying deadline for the August 18 primary is June 12.

This article was updated regarding comments made by U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz about the Congressional Black Caucus. The story originally published on June 2, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Raisa Habersham, the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald, authored the article. Her previous coverage includes Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale, with a focus on housing and affordability. She joined the Herald in 2022 and holds a degree from the University of Georgia.