Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been projected to win the Democratic primary in Florida's 20th Congressional District, a historically Black district. The Associated Press announced the race call on Tuesday night, indicating her likely return to the House of Representatives in January 2027.
Wasserman Schultz faced scrutiny for her decision to run in this district, which has traditionally been represented by Black lawmakers and has a majority Black population. She was the only white candidate in the race, competing against four Black Democrats following redistricting that eliminated her previous seat. The redistricting was enacted by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis to enhance the Republican Party's chances in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Wasserman Schultz, who previously served as chair of the Democratic National Committee during the 2016 election, resides in the newly drawn 22nd Congressional District, which leans Republican. She entered the race for Florida's 20th Congressional District in late May. She will now face Republican nominee Brent Andersen in the general election.
Her campaign has been met with criticism from some members of the Congressional Black Caucus, particularly regarding her choice to run in a district historically represented by Black individuals. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and CBC Chair Yvette Clark have publicly expressed their concerns, with Clark describing Wasserman Schultz's candidacy as “painful.” Despite this backlash, Wasserman Schultz benefited from a divided primary vote among her opponents, which included former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, activist Elijah Manley, and rapper Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell.
Following the race call, Manley communicated with Wasserman Schultz to concede, noting that it was the first time a competitor in the same race had called to concede to her.