In Tamarac, Florida, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is campaigning for reelection to Congress, donning red-white-and-blue sneakers and a matching manicure. She seeks her 12th term, but circumstances have changed. Due to redistricting by Republicans, she is now running in a new district after crossing district lines from her Fort Lauderdale area.
This shift places Wasserman Schultz, a former national party chair with considerable influence in Washington, as the only white candidate against four Black candidates in a Broward County area that has historically sent Black Democrats to Congress since 1992. The implications of this change have sparked debates especially after the U.S. Supreme Court weakened the Voting Rights Act.
“Her candidacy represents an erasure of our history and fight for Black representation,” said former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned amid an ethics investigation, is competing for her former seat. Progressive organizer Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old teacher, criticized the redistricting but noted Wasserman Schultz had alternatives. He believes her candidacy threatens Black representation, a view shared by the Congressional Black Caucus, which fears losing members.
Despite these criticisms, Wasserman Schultz remains the most well-funded candidate in the race, benefiting from rules that don’t require a majority to win primaries. She argues her long experience representing diverse communities equips her to advocate effectively for the entire district.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis’ redistricting plan clusters southeast Florida Democrats to potentially reduce Democratic seats. Broward County, predominantly Democratic, now has one assumed-Democratic district centered around Fort Lauderdale. Nationally, white lawmakers usually do not represent majority non-white districts, yet Wasserman Schultz does so in her existing district.
The district demographics being contested include 42% Black, 23% Hispanic, and 4% Asian, with a significant Caribbean, especially Haitian, population. The Associated Press found Wasserman Schultz as the sole white Democrat likely to represent a Black majority district.
Despite losing some Palm Beach County constituents, Cherfilus-McCormick is confident. She faces federal charges but argues the situation reflects attempts to silence minority voices. Manley, more focused on future elections, hopes for unified Black Democratic support in 2028.
The current candidate mix includes former rapper Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and real estate broker Dale Holness. Von Howard, a Broward resident, expressed the difficulty of choosing a representative who understands the district comprehensively.
Broward NAACP President Marsha Ellison spoke on the importance of Black representation, emphasizing that it matters to the community though it may not prioritize Wasserman Schultz.
Wasserman Schultz acknowledges voter concerns yet emphasizes her comprehensive experience. She highlights her work in Congress’s Appropriations Committee and programs benefiting Black communities, stressing her representation skills despite potential racial divides.
Acknowledging language barriers, she learned Spanish to communicate effectively with constituents, respecting cultural diversities.
Wasserman Schultz’s recognition among voters is high, venturing out to engage with a diverse crowd at early voting sites. Colombian-born Yusdefs Delgado praises her but seeks more policy focus in her campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick and Manley disagree, noting the political climate impacts the outlook on race and representation. Wasserman Schultz remains steadfast, criticizing DeSantis and Trump’s efforts as detrimental to community unity and Democratic values.
Reporter Matthew Klein contributed insights from Washington.