Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., encounters growing criticism from Black leaders for opting to seek re-election in a predominantly minority district. This decision appears to erode her support from top Black Democrats in Congress. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., refrained from endorsing her bid after she announced her candidacy in the plurality-Black district with four Black contenders for the August 18 primary.
“Haven’t made a decision, as it relates to that particular race,” Jeffries stated during a news conference when questioned about his support for Wasserman Schultz’s campaign. Although Jeffries has discussed the contest with Wasserman Schultz, a member of his leadership team, he stopped short of extending his endorsement. Jeffries remarked, “Everybody has a right to run where they see fit. They’ve got to make their case to the people that they hope to represent moving forward.”
Jeffries also emphasized the challenges facing Black political representation, citing the Supreme Court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais that affected electoral district drawing in Republican-led states and impacted majority-minority districts held by Black Democrats. “It’s an environment that all of us need to be sensitive to as we move forward,” he added.
Local Black leaders harshly criticize Wasserman Schultz for her decision to campaign in a district long represented by a Black legislator. Elijah Manley, a progressive activist participating in the Democratic primary, expressed criticism in social media posts. “First, she said the CBC [Congressional Black Caucus] encouraged her to run. The CBC Chair said they did not,” Manley wrote. “Then she went on TV and said that Leader Jeffries was supporting her. Jeffries just declined to endorse her.”
Despite the backlash, Wasserman Schultz holds a substantial fundraising advantage over her primary adversaries, as Federal Election Commission filings reveal her campaign account holds over $2.5 million.
Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., previously held the seat until her resignation following an expulsion threat and House Ethics Committee investigation. She now runs again, despite facing a criminal trial concerning the alleged misappropriation of over $5 million in disaster relief funds. Other contenders for the Democratic nomination include former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and musician Luther Campbell.
Republicans in Florida redrew Wasserman Schultz’s district, favoring a GOP congressional map enacted into law in May. While Wasserman Schultz previously served as chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee, her tenure experienced controversy from leaked emails criticizing Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2016 presidential campaign. Wasserman Schultz captured a House seat in 2004. Fox News Digital reached out to her campaign for comment before publication.