Wasserman Schultz to seek reelection in new district that includes Coral Springs
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has announced her bid for another term, this time in Florida’s District 20, which includes the southern portion of Coral Springs.
Despite criticism from some local leaders, Wasserman Schultz entered the race for the newly redistricted parcel with a news release and video posted to her social media platforms on Friday, May 22, leaning on a message of affordability and effectiveness in government.
“We cannot let [President] Trump and [Gov. Ron] DeSantis take away Broward County’s power,” she said.
“We know Republicans couldn’t care less about lowering your health care, gas, or grocery bills. But I’ll use all my seniority and influence in Washington to continue to make our lives more affordable, and make Broward a safer, less expensive place to live, raise a family and retire. This District deserves a representative who won’t be learning on the job and has a proven record of results.”
Wasserman Schultz, who currently represents Florida’s 25 District, including Weston, Davie and Hollywood, is the longest-serving Florida Democrat in Congress, and chaired the Democratic National Committee during the Obama administration.
She has also been part of influential committees, including the Steering and House Appropriations Committees.
She has been endorsed by Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook, as well as other elected officials and leaders across South Florida.
Her announcement also disavowed the state redistricting process, which is facing court challenges for violating the state constitution. The new lines made her District 25 into a GOP stronghold.
The move, passed by the state legislature and signed by DeSantis, split Coral Springs into two districts — 20 and 22 — rather than District 23, which is represented by Rep. Jared Moskowitz.
Homes and businesses south of West Sample Road, aside from those neighboring the Sportsplex of Coral Springs, will be part of District 20 if court challenges are unsuccessful.
Historically Black district
The District 20 population is majority-Black, raising questions for some about Wasserman Schultz’s ability to understand her constituents’ needs.
Before Wasserman Schultz’s announcement, members of the Broward County Democratic Black Caucus and some from the Broward County Democrats made statements discouraging Wasserman Schultz from entering the race.
Some recommended she run for another, more competitive district, leveraging her existing campaign chest and political experience to avoid party infighting over the seat, which has been held by Black lawmakers for decades.
The seat was last held by former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who stepped down in April amid a House Ethics Committee investigation and pending corruption charges in South Florida. She continues to maintain her innocence and is running to reclaim the seat.
It’s the same seat former Coral Springs Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer, a longtime activist for African- and Caribbean-American civic empowerment, was about to announce her candidacy for, before she was shot and killed April 1.
Other candidates in the race include:
- Luther Campbell
- Elijah Manley
- Dale Holness
- Rudolph Moise
- Maisha Williams
Voting dates
The deadline to register to vote in the upcoming primary election is July 20. Mail-in ballots must be requested before Aug. 6. Election Day is Aug. 18 and all ballots must be submitted by the end of voting hours to be counted.
Learn more and check your registration via the Florida Supervisors of Elections website.
