Debbie Wasserman Schultz Enters the 20th District Race Amidst Redistricting Challenges

Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a veteran Congressional Democrat, has declared her candidacy for Florida’s District 20 following recent redistricting. Her campaign would encompass areas such as southern Coral Springs, North Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Tamarac, and nearby cities.

Photo by Joe Readle/Getty Images

Monday saw four Black candidates from the Democratic primary for Florida’s 20th congressional district convening privately to discuss rallying behind a single candidate to challenge Wasserman Schultz. Participants concurred that narrowing the race to Wasserman Schultz versus a sole Black contender provides the optimal chance to contest the Congresswoman within a district previously tailored for Black representation.

Despite Tuesday evening’s conversations, her opponents had yet to decide on a unified candidate. Elijah Manley, one of those present, stated, “I think we’re all going to come to some agreement before the end of qualifying.” Other attendees included Luther Campbell, Dale Holness, and ex-Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.

Manley expressed uncertainty about future outcomes. However, he confirmed there was consensus on the need for consolidation. He noted the discussions were constructive and positive.

The meeting follows the Florida Legislature’s recent redistricting, which dramatically reshaped South Florida’s congressional zones. Predominantly Black neighborhoods were integrated into white-majority districts, fragmenting Wasserman Schultz’s previous district, prompting her entry into the 20th District race.

Debbie Wasserman Schultz has indicated that the Congressional Black Caucus, alongside House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, acknowledged her understanding of the community. Jeffries praised her achievements but did not officially endorse her. Rep. Yvette Clarke, Chairwoman of the CBC, clarified the Caucus did not encourage Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy for the district.

Efforts to contact Wasserman Schultz’s spokesperson were unsuccessful.

Florida’s 20th District owes its origins to a 1992 federal court directive under the Voting Rights Act, which addressed racial inequality. This initiative resulted in Florida’s first Black Congressional members since Reconstruction: Corrine Brown, Alcee Hastings, and Carrie Meek. Governor Ron DeSantis has recently challenged this district as part of the revised congressional maps, potentially amplifying Republican efforts to retain House control in the midterms.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick emphasized the importance of preserving history against threats to Black representation and voter influence. She urged the Democratic Party and supporters to recognize Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy’s implications for Black political representation.

“If they’re not going to unify and fight with us, then maybe we have to reconsider where we actually align ourselves,” expressed Cherfilus-McCormick. She critiqued the lack of Democratic support for Black representation in this moment.

Luther Campbell conveyed to the Miami Herald that the race represents a pivotal challenge for the Democratic Party, especially concerning disenfranchised Black voters. “At the end of the day, we all had a good conversion,” Campbell stated, emphasizing the goal of contesting Wasserman Schultz.

Interested candidates must qualify by June 12 to appear on the August 18 primary ballot.

This article was updated to correct previous misrepresentations regarding Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s comments about the Congressional Black Caucus.

The original story publication date was June 2, 2026, at 8:00 PM. Raisa Habersham authored the article as the race and culture reporter for the Miami Herald. She has experience covering Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale with an emphasis on housing and affordability. Habersham graduated from the University of Georgia and joined the Miami Herald in 2022.