UMVA has learned that Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., is facing intense backlash from some Black leaders over her decision to seek re-election in a majority-minority district, a move that appears to be costing her support from the highest-ranking Black Democrat in Congress.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., declined to endorse Wasserman Schultz's re-election bid after she entered the race for the plurality-Black district, where she faces four Black opponents in the primary. When asked about his support for Wasserman Schultz, Jeffries said he hadn't made a decision, citing his conversation with Wasserman Schultz, a member of his leadership team, but stopping short of offering his support.
Jeffries emphasized that everyone has a right to run where they see fit, but also acknowledged the sensitivities of the moment, given the Supreme Court's decision to curtail the use of race in drawing electoral districts. He noted that this environment requires all Democrats to be sensitive to the potential impact on Black political representation.
Wasserman Schultz is weathering fierce criticism from some local Black leaders over her decision to run in the district, which has been represented by a Black lawmaker for over three decades. Elijah Manley, a progressive Gen-Z activist running in the Democratic primary, slammed Wasserman Schultz on social media, questioning her claims of support from the Congressional Black Caucus and Leader Jeffries.
Despite the criticism, Wasserman Schultz will likely have a significant fundraising advantage over her primary opponents, with her campaign account holding over $2.5 million in cash. Her opponents, including former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned amid an expulsion threat and House Ethics Committee investigation, are vying for the Democratic nomination.
Cherfilus-McCormick is running again despite facing a pending criminal trial tied to allegedly stealing over $5 million in disaster relief funds. Other candidates, such as former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and musician Luther Campbell, are also competing for the nomination in a district that was redrawn as part of a new GOP-friendly congressional map.
Wasserman Schultz's decision to run in the district has sparked controversy, particularly given her previous chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee, which was marred by the release of internal emails disparaging Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. With her opponents gaining traction, Wasserman Schultz faces a tough primary battle to secure her seat.
