Why It Matters
Florida’s Congressional District 20, which covers Broward County, has become one of the more contested Democratic primaries heading into 2026, with multiple prominent figures vying for a seat that recently changed hands under unusual circumstances. A national endorsement from a high-profile progressive congressman now adds another dimension to the race.
What Happened
Fort Lauderdale activist and educator Elijah Manley announced Thursday that California U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna has endorsed his bid for the CD 20 Democratic primary. Manley, 27, is one of four Democrats challenging former Democratic National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz for the nomination.
Wasserman Schultz entered the CD 20 race after her previous district, CD 22, was redrawn under a congressional map crafted by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office and approved by the Republican-controlled state legislature in April. The Florida Legislative Black Caucus publicly criticized the new map.
The seat itself became open in April when then-Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick stepped down. Cherfilus-McCormick had been scheduled to appear before the House Ethics Committee amid allegations that she stole federal disaster relief funds.
The Field
Beyond Manley and Wasserman Schultz, the Democratic primary also includes former Broward County Mayor Dale V.C. Holness and rapper and activist Luther Campbell. The competitive Democratic primary landscape in Florida has drawn increasing national attention as the state’s congressional map reshapes district-level politics.
Manley is running for elected office for the fourth time. His first campaign came at age 19, when he sought a seat on the Broward County School Board. He describes his background as shaped by economic hardship — his family lost their home during the global financial crisis, leaving him homeless during his childhood.
Endorsement and Messaging
Khanna framed his endorsement around Manley’s refusal to accept corporate donations and his positioning as the race’s sole progressive candidate. “I’m proud to endorse Elijah Manley, the only progressive in this race,” Khanna said. “He refuses corporate money and will fight to end the US-funded genocide.”
Manley echoed that framing, arguing his campaign demonstrates that grassroots organizing can compete against more established political figures. “This campaign is proving that you don’t need corporate money, lobbyists, or political dynasties to build a movement,” he said.
What’s Next
The CD 20 primary race remains active, with the field still taking shape in the wake of Cherfilus-McCormick’s departure and Wasserman Schultz’s entry. As Broward County’s political dynamics continue to shift under the new congressional map, donor relationships and endorsement alignments are likely to play an increasing role in how the race develops heading toward primary day.