Controversy Surrounds Wasserman Schultz’s Bid for Florida District 20

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a veteran Democratic member of Congress, has announced her candidacy for Florida’s District 20 after mid-decade redistricting changes. If successful, she would serve southern Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Tamarac, and surrounding areas.

Criticism has emerged from Florida’s Democratic National Committee (DNC) members regarding her decision. Almost all elected DNC members in Florida have expressed disapproval of Wasserman Schultz’s move to run for re-election in a district originally drawn to ensure representation for Black voters. This district has been a target for redistricting by Governor Ron DeSantis this year.

Our party cannot credibly denounce the dismantling of Black political power by Republicans while treating one of Florida’s few remaining majority-Black districts as a political opportunity for an incumbent seeking a safer seat, a statement released by 10 elected Florida DNC members said.

The statement was endorsed by all but two of the 11 non-officer, elected DNC members, along with Florida Democratic Party’s first vice chair, Daniel Henry. This came after Wasserman Schultz’s announcement that she would run in District 20 following redistricting changes in South Florida.

Wasserman Schultz has served in Congress for over two decades. Her decision to run in a safe Democratic district instead of surrounding areas favoring Republicans has drawn criticism. She resides in the newly formed 22nd District, covering from Coral Springs to Marco Island. Her former voter base is now divided across five new districts, though a small portion falls into the 20th District.

Critics argue she aims to secure her political power by exploiting a Democratic-leaning district. In response, Wasserman Schultz dismissed the criticism as stemming from political adversaries.

Black candidates have vocalized concerns regarding her candidacy in District 20, which had previously ensured Black representation. The district was originally drawn in 1992 under the Voting Rights Act. Alcee Hastings and Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick have represented it.

Governor DeSantis’ focus on District 20 amid redistricting aims to weaken the application of the Voting Rights Act. Wasserman Schultz counters criticism by highlighting her history of representing Broward County, claiming it was DeSantis’ primary target.

Florida DNC members view Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy as part of a larger narrative impacting Black voters.

This decision reinforces the same message Republicans have pushed for years: that Black representation does not matter. It does matter. Representation matters. Lived experience matters, they wrote.

Claire Heddles from the Miami Herald reports on the situation. With experience covering national politics from Washington, D.C., she provides insights into the controversy surrounding Wasserman Schultz’s campaign.