Florida Representative Enters Newly Redrawn District Primary

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced last month that she will run in Florida's 20th Congressional District rather than the 22nd District where she lives. The move followed new congressional maps signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis that altered district lines across the state.

The 20th District has been represented by a Black Democrat for nearly 30 years and contains a voting pool in the Democratic primary that is 50 percent Black. The seat became open after Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned in April following an ethics finding by the House Ethics Committee.

Black candidates in the Democratic primary discussed consolidating behind one or two contenders to avoid splitting votes against Wasserman Schultz. No final agreement was reached at a Monday meeting, though participants said the idea of a head-to-head matchup remained under consideration.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, said she would not have made the same choice. Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., described the decision as causing "consternation" after Wasserman Schultz informed her on the House floor.

Schultz has raised $2.5 million through March, while one challenger, Elijah Manley, has raised $780,000. Former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness said he provided Wasserman Schultz with polling data showing she could win in the 22nd District and urged her to stay there.

Wasserman Schultz stated in a video that her seniority would allow her to deliver results and potentially chair a key committee if Democrats regain House control. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., said Tuesday he has not decided whether to endorse in the race.