Debbie Wasserman Schultz Runs in a New District Amid Controversy
TAMARAC, Fla. (AP) – Debbie Wasserman Schultz, wearing red-white-and-blue sneakers and a matching manicure, assured voters she is “running for reelection to Congress.” However, she is seeking her 12th term in a new district after Republicans altered Florida’s congressional map earlier this year.
As a former national party chair with strong ties in Washington, Wasserman Schultz is now campaigning beyond her previous Fort Lauderdale area. She finds herself as the only white candidate among four Black contenders in a region that has elected Black Democrats to Congress since 1992. This move follows the U.S. Supreme Court decision that weakened the Voting Rights Act, allowing states like Florida to reconfigure House districts.
Former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick criticized Wasserman Schultz’s candidacy, calling it “a complete erasure of our history, our fight for Black access.” Cherfilus-McCormick resigned amid an ethics investigation but aims to reclaim the seat. Another candidate, Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old organizer, criticized the redistricting but stated Wasserman Schultz had “other options,” such as contesting her new home district.
Wasserman Schultz is well-funded compared to the other candidates and benefits from Florida’s primary rules that do not require a majority to win. She argues her tenure makes her a strong advocate for the district, saying, “I know how to tailor my service to them and represent a district more broadly.”
Redistricting efforts by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis aim to consolidate southeast Florida Democrats, potentially reducing five Democratic seats to three. Broward County, known for its Democratic leanings, now has only one predominantly Democratic district.
Cherfilus-McCormick claims she can win despite losing Palm Beach Black constituents and facing federal charges, which she denies. Manley, while acknowledging Wasserman Schultz as the favorite, hopes for future rallying support among Black Democrats.
If you’re not of the people, and you just want this for the clout, in some instances, that could be a turnoff,
said Von Howard, a local resident, reflecting voter sentiment.
The Broward NAACP President emphasized the significance of representation from those who understand lived experiences, which might not align with Wasserman Schultz’s campaign.
Wasserman Schultz stresses both lived experience and broader legislative experience. Her role on the Appropriations Committee and past programs for Black communities bolster her claim. Her service has included learning Spanish to communicate effectively across communities.
Voter interactions reveal mixed reactions. Some appreciate her policies, while others, like Yusdefs Delgado, desire more focus on policy than political figures. Manley and Cherfilus-McCormick argue that current political divides need more substantial representation.
Wasserman Schultz stands firm in her decision to run in the new district, asserting that the district’s design reflects a fair chance for all. She links her candidacy to opposing political shifts initiated by figures like Trump and DeSantis.