Debbie Wasserman Schultz wins primary after Florida redistricting upends her longtime district

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the Democratic primary in Florida's redrawn 20th District on Tuesday, defeating four rivals. She secured 50.5% of the vote with 67% of ballots counted, beating main challenger Elijah Manley (12.8%) and Dale VC Holness (21.1%). The primary followed a statewide redistricting pushed by Gov. DeSantis and the Trump administration, which consolidated Democratic districts. Wasserman Schultz, who will seek a 12th term, ran in a district with a Black-majority electorate, a move that created tensions. Her opponent criticized her support for Israel and AIPAC funding. Pro-Israel PACs have spent about $1.5 million on her career.

Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a veteran Southeast Florida Democrat, won her primary race on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, defeating four rivals in a newly redrawn district. The Associated Press called the race shortly after polls closed, with Wasserman Schultz securing 50.5% of the vote when 67% of ballots were counted. Her main challenger, Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old gay activist and Democratic socialist, received 12.8%, while Dale VC Holness got 21.1%. The primary followed a statewide redistricting effort pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis and the Trump administration, which consolidated Democratic districts and redrew Wasserman Schultz's longtime 25th District, likely turning it red. She chose to run in the redrawn 20th District, a reliably blue area with a Black-majority electorate, a move that sparked discomfort in a region that has sent Black Democrats to Congress since 1992. In her victory speech, she committed to living up to the legacy of the late Congressman Alcee Hastings. Manley criticized her support for Israel and her financial backing from AIPAC, calling her a 'key Netanyahu ally.' Pro-Israel PACs have spent around $1.5 million on her career, with at least $250,000 linked to AIPAC in the current race. Wasserman Schultz, who will seek a 12th term in November, emphasized her focus on lowering costs and fighting the Trump administration's policies.