TAMARAC, Fla. — U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is actively campaigning for her 12th term in Congress within Florida’s newly redrawn 20th congressional district. The campaign trail has taken the former Democratic National Committee chair to community events across Broward County, including a stop at a National Night Out event in Plantation on August 4, 2026. Wasserman Schultz is seeking reelection following significant changes to the state’s congressional map implemented by Republicans earlier this year.
A New District and Old Tensions
The redistricting effort has placed Wasserman Schultz in a district that differs significantly from her previous boundaries. The new 20th District is located in an area of Broward County that has historically helped elect Black Democrats to Congress since 1992. This shift makes Wasserman Schultz, who is white, the only white candidate among several Democratic contenders for this seat. Her presence in a district with such specific demographic history has ignited a debate regarding representation and political access.
Wasserman Schultz stated that she is not "air dropping" herself into the community but rather leveraging her decades of experience representing diverse populations as both a state and federal legislator. She argued that her background allows her to tailor service effectively for the broader district, which now includes areas extending toward the more conservative Gulf Coast.
Opposition from Local Candidates
The redistricting has drawn sharp criticism from former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Democratic candidate Elijah Manley. Cherfilus-McCormick, a 47-year-old Black woman who resigned from the seat in April while facing an ethics investigation, described Wasserman Schultz’s entry into this specific district as "a complete erasure of our history" and the fight for Black access to political power.
Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old progressive organizer and substitute teacher, also voiced strong opposition. While he noted that Republicans are responsible for the redistricting ploy itself, he argued that Wasserman Schultz had other options available to her. Manley suggested that by choosing this district over others where she might have faced less competition, she is attempting to take away Black representation from the region.
Broader Political Implications
The contest in Florida’s 20th District reflects larger national trends following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened provisions of the Voting Rights Act. This legal shift has allowed states like Florida to reshape House districts with fewer constraints regarding minority voting strength. The political landscape is further complicated by efforts from Republican leadership, including President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis, to redraw boundaries in ways that preserve party majorities.
Wasserman Schultz remains the best-funded candidate among five Democrats running for this seat. Florida’s primary rules do not require a majority of votes to win, meaning she could secure the nomination with a plurality. The outcome will determine who represents Broward County residents in Congress and how the region's political voice is defined under the new map.
