The Progressive Change Campaign Committee announced its backing of Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old substitute teacher, in his effort to unseat Democratic congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida’s newly drawn 20th congressional district primary election next week. Manley, who is Black and grew up homeless in Fort Lauderdale, is campaigning on universal healthcare, a federal jobs guarantee, and economic policies he frames as benefiting working families.
Wasserman Schultz, a 59-year-old 11-term congresswoman and former Democratic National Committee chair, has faced criticism from African American leaders regarding her decision to run in the majority-minority district as the sole white candidate in a race where she is not a resident. The move came after Florida Republicans created new congressional maps that fragmented Wasserman Schultz’s previous seat into five districts. She opted to run in the heavily Democratic 20th district rather than in her home 22nd district. Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, described the situation as painful, noting that the district has historically been represented by Black Democrats for over 30 years.
Other candidates in the primary include former congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned in April and faces allegations of misusing federal funds that she denies; former Broward County mayor Dale Holness; and rapper Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell. A May poll indicated Manley could present a competitive challenge, showing Wasserman Schultz initially leading 39 percent to 21 percent, but moving to a 36-27 percent deficit for Manley after voters received biographical information about the candidates.
Wasserman Schultz, a member of Congress since 2005, has been a divisive figure within Democratic circles. She was forced to resign as DNC chair following criticism from supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders after leaked emails suggested bias favoring Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential primary. The PCCC’s endorsement of Manley represents part of the group’s broader slate of candidates in various races, including several who have already won primary elections this cycle.
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