NewsWUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)August 19, 2026Hillsborough
Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins 20th District election following redistricting controversy
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the election for Florida's 20th Congressional District after moving to the district following the redrawing of her previous district, Florida's 25th, to favor Republican candidates. Her candidacy drew criticism from local Black political leaders and primary opponents regarding the loss of Black representation in a district held by Black Democrats since 1992.
Read the full story at WUSF — Tampa Bay NPR (Local & State)Why It Matters
The election results in the 20th District mark a shift in long-standing political representation patterns in South Florida, as the district had been represented by Black Democrats for three decades prior to this election.
Key Facts
- Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the election for Florida's 20th Congressional District.
- Wasserman Schultz previously represented Florida's 25th District.
- The 25th District was redrawn to favor Republican candidates.
- The 20th District had been represented by Black Democrats since 1992.
- Wasserman Schultz's entry into the 20th District race faced opposition from local Black political leaders, statewide party officials, and her primary opponents.
- All of Wasserman Schultz's primary opponents in the 20th District were Black.
Who's Mentioned
locationFlorida's 20th District“The congressional district involved in the election”personDebbie Wasserman Schultz“Incumbent Congresswoman and winner of the 20th District Democratic primary”personBrent Anderson“Republican nominee for the 20th District”personDale Holness“Former Broward Mayor and primary opponent”other30,000“Number of votes for Wasserman Schultz”personSheila Cherfilus-McCormick“Former Congresswoman and primary opponent currently under federal indictment”other6,100“Number of votes for Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick”personElijah Manley“Activist and primary opponent”other15,000“Number of votes for Dale Holness”personLuther Campbell“Primary opponent”personDaniel Henry“Vice Chair of the Florida Democratic Party”locationFlorida's 25th District“The district previously represented by Wasserman Schultz before redistricting.”