Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the Democratic primary in Florida’s 20th Congressional District on Tuesday, advancing to the general election in a solidly blue seat after her original district was redrawn by Republican redistricting. Wasserman Schultz surpassed 50 percent of the vote within 30 minutes after polls closed, delivering what Politico called one of the earliest calls of the night.
The race marked a contentious primary in a district that had been represented by a Black lawmaker for more than three decades. Wasserman Schultz faced criticism from Democratic rivals and even some House colleagues for her decision to run in the district, whose former representative, Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, resigned under scandal after a House Ethics Committee verdict found her guilty of stealing federal campaign funds.
Wasserman Schultz’s original seat in Florida’s 25th District was splintered by new congressional maps pushed by Gov. Ron DeSantis under rare mid-decade redistricting. The congresswoman said throughout her campaign that it was important for her to run in Broward County, where both the 20th District and her home in Weston are located, because the county remains a Democratic stronghold in a state where Democrats have lost significant ground over the past decade.
Her campaign held a fundraising edge and focused on touting her experience and seniority. Wasserman Schultz is a co-chair on Democrats’ steering committee, which helps set the party’s agenda, and a senior member of the appropriations committee that directs federal spending. That resume positions her to deliver resources and policy wins to the district if Democrats regain the House majority in November, according to Politico.
The race drew several high-profile candidates competing for the seat. Broward County Mayor Dale Holness came in second in the primary, while civil rights activist Elijah Manley and community activist Luther Campbell—known by his stage name “Uncle Luke”—also ran. The candidates argued the seat should be represented by someone who shares the experiences of Black voters.
Wasserman Schultz, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee, had support from prominent House colleagues despite not receiving an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver of Missouri, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, joined her to campaign in the district. Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the former No. 2 House Democrat, said he wanted Wasserman Schultz reelected, calling her “Florida’s probably most valuable member” and a “fighter for civil rights,” according to Politico.
In her victory speech, Wasserman Schultz urged Democrats to boost turnout and fight for control of Congress. She told supporters, “We have got to blow the doors off of turnout in Broward County in November.” She also framed her victory as part of a broader Democratic push across Florida, calling for the re-election of Democratic incumbents and a House majority with Hakeem Jeffries as speaker.
Wasserman Schultz is expected to be elected to a 12th term in the November general election given the district’s political leanings.
Sources
- Politico — Wasserman Schultz’s primary victory, her decision to run in the 20th District after redistricting, the crowded primary field, her seniority and committee positions, support from House colleagues, and expectation of general election victory
- MS NOW — Wasserman Schultz’s primary win, her victory speech comments on turnout in Broward County, and broader Florida primary results
