Debbie Wasserman Schultz Runs in Majority-Black Florida District

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz is seeking a 12th term in Congress by running in Florida's new 20th District, a majority-Black area in Broward County. The candidacy follows a Republican-led redistricting effort initiated by President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis to reduce Democratic seats in southeast Florida by merging Democratic strongholds.

Wasserman Schultz is the only white candidate in a five-person Democratic primary. She faces opposition from four Black candidates, including former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and progressive organizer Elijah Manley. Opponents argue her candidacy erases Black political representation and history in the region, with Manley specifically targeting her financial ties to AIPAC.

Wasserman Schultz defends her decision by citing three decades of legislative experience in Broward County and her commitment to the community's values. She has stated she will not allow Republicans to "steal Broward’s political power."

The contest occurs amid a broader national debate over minority voting strength following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act. Similar tensions are appearing in the reshaped 23rd District, where Representative Lois Frankel is competing against retired attorney Victoria Doyle.