Inside the heated race for South Florida's Congressional District 20
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The Aug. 18 Democratic primary will likely decide who will be the next representative of Florida's Congressional District 20.
Why it matters: The historically Black, Democratic-leaning district was redrawn under Gov. Ron DeSantis' new congressional map, reducing the Black majority by pulling in surrounding white communities.
- The seat has been held by a Black representative since its creation in the early 1990s.
Between the lines: The seat is widely known as the state's bluest.
Catch up quick: Redistricting left longtime Democrats like U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz scrambling to find a place to run. The new map essentially eliminated her seat in the 25th district.
- In late May, Wasserman Schultz entered the crowded District 20 race as the lone white candidate, drawing ire from local Black leaders and her fellow candidates.
- The redrawn 22nd District, where Wasserman Schultz lives, is now a Republican-leaning seat.
- The four Black candidates failed to unite behind one opponent against Wasserman Schultz after initial discussions.
The other side: The four Republican challengers are Pompano Beach insurance broker Brent Andersen, child advocate Lateresa "LA" Jones, U.S. Navy veteran Carla Spalding and U.S. Army veteran and Haitian immigrant Rod Joseph, who recently said people can't be born gay.
The Democrats
Debbie Wasserman Schultz has emphasized her experience as the longest-serving Democratic representative in Florida with the "seniority and the seasoning to be able to deliver" for the district.
Luther Campbell, commonly known as Uncle Luke, is a community activist, football coach, rapper and former frontman of 2 Live Crew.
- At Thursday's NAACP candidate forum, Campbell vowed to be a fighter for the district and get the Congressional Black Caucus in order. A key issue for him is to create jobs by expanding Port Everglades.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was the first Haitian-American Democrat elected to Congress after winning the District 20 seat in 2022.
- She resigned in April as the House Ethics Committee was set to discipline her for allegations that she funneled $5 million in COVID relief funds to her campaign. She has pleaded not guilty and faces trial next February.
- She has emphasized her experience in Congress and how she brought $580 million for housing to the district.
Dale Holness, who served as Lauderhill commissioner, Broward County commissioner and county mayor, lost by five votes to Cherfilus-McCormick in the Democratic primary in 2021.
- At last week's candidate forum, he highlighted how he has the network to get things done in South Florida and knows the district "more than anyone else" as he has lived there for 51 years.
- He says his priority is addressing economic inequities.
Elijah Manley is the most progressive voice in the race, a 27-year-old teacher and longtime community activist who grew up in poverty and homelessness in Broward.
- He first ran for a school board seat at 19 and previously ran for the Florida House in 2022. He has said that he hasn't taken money from corporations, special interests, or billionaires.
- At the NAACP forum, he said he would've joined the other 100 Democrats in supporting Kentucky Republican U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie's amendment to cut off aid to Israel.
- He said he supports Medicare for All, providing people with $20,000 in down payment assistance to buy their first home, legislation that guarantees everyone a job and tuition-free college.