Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins Florida primary after redistricting reshapes her district

U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz secured a victory in her Florida Democratic primary Tuesday, navigating a race in unfamiliar territory following a statewide redistricting effort that reshaped electoral boundaries. The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed, with Wasserman Schultz garnering 50.5% of the vote as 67% of ballots were counted.

Her win comes after Florida's congressional map was redrawn earlier this year, a move initiated by Governor Ron DeSantis. This redistricting consolidated Democratic districts and aimed to reduce the number of blue seats. Wasserman Schultz's previous district, the 25th, which included Fort Lauderdale and southern Broward County, was projected to become Republican under the new map.

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the people that we spoke to all across this district understand that I’m going to fight to make sure that they can pay their rent. We’re going to make sure we fight those damn Republicans.

Consequently, Wasserman Schultz opted to run in the newly drawn 20th District, a predominantly Black and reliably Democratic region in Broward County. This decision, however, generated some discomfort in a district that has historically elected Black Democrats since 1992. Wasserman Schultz acknowledged this by committing to uphold the legacy of the late Congressman Alcee Hastings, who previously represented the 20th District.

Her primary opponents included Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old activist who garnered 12.8% of the vote, and Dale VC Holness, who received 21.1%. Wasserman Schultz, seeking her 12th term in Congress, vowed in her victory speech to fight for her constituents and against Republicans. Political analysts had suggested that having multiple opponents could potentially split the vote, benefiting Wasserman Schultz.

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The most important thing I can say is that I can commit to the people of District 20 to work every day to live up to the legacy of Alcee Hastings.