So Debbie just threw her hat into FL-20 today. All the previously declared candidates are black, and the former incumbent is black. If the other candidates split the black vote, and Wasserman wins, it could create some intra-party enmity for Florida Democrats.
This article (highlights below) was published before Debbie threw her hat in the ring.
Redistricting, a looming federal criminal trial and a primary with racial undertones are just a few of the dynamics shaping the race to represent the Broward County district.
The all-important primary for Florida’s newly drawn 20th District is devolving into an intense and bruising showdown over race, criminal charges and political power.
Five candidates are vying to be the Democratic nominee in the solidly blue congressional district, and more are considering jumping in — including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, one of the country’s most recognizable Democrats whose current path to reelection has been made more uncertain after Florida Republicans’ mid-decade redistricting. Her possible candidacy has generated vocal opposition from existing candidates — all of whom are Black — who argue that the seat was held by a Black lawmaker for more than three decades and should be represented by someone who shares their experiences.
Candidate Luther Campbell, a former 2 Live Crew member who won a landmark free-speech Supreme Court case over sexually explicit material in one of his albums, called it “ludicrous” that Cherfilus-McCormick was running again. “Focus on your case, and then if you win in your case, then this seat is always up for every two years,” he said. He also criticized Wasserman Schultz as “appalling” for considering a run, arguing she would be trying to “take a Black seat.”
This race really could turn into a another shit show for Florida Democrats.
The district is no stranger to controversy. It was previously held by the late Rep. Alcee Hastings, an impeached and ousted federal judge, for 28 years. After his death in 2021, GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis waited almost a month to schedule the special election, setting a timeline that left the seat without representation for nearly 10 months.
Debbie’s announcement:
Today, I’m announcing my candidacy for Florida’s 20th congressional district.
I’ll continue to use my seniority in Washington to make Broward a safer, less expensive place to live, raise a family, and retire. We cannot let Trump and DeSantis take away Broward County’s power.
Opponent Elijah Manley’s reply:
Debbie Wasserman Schultz is carpetbagging to FL-20, a black opportunity district instead of running in her own.
DWS is everything that’s wrong with the Democratic establishment. From insider trading to payday lenders.
I look forward to retiring her from public office permanently
Direct and to the point, but I don’t recall DWS ever supporting pay day lenders???