Story perspectives

Wasserman Schultz Runs in New District Amid Carpetbagging Criticism

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced she will run for reelection in Florida’s 20th congressional district following the state’s redistricting.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a GOP-led map that eliminated her former District 25 and added four Republican-leaning seats.
Black Democratic leaders, the Broward Black Democratic Caucus, accused her of carpetbagging and urged her not to run.
She now faces a Democratic primary that includes former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, under federal indictment, and Black candidates.

History

Historical Context

In 2010 Florida voters approved two constitutional amendments mandating compact, non-partisan districts. Challenges to the 2012 redistricting were rejected by an 11th Circuit panel in 2012, while a 2015 state-Supreme-Court decision struck a gerrymandered map. A 2023 circuit judge again found Governor Ron DeSantis’s latest plan unconstitutional, though the state Supreme Court allowed it to proceed, underscoring ongoing battles over the Fair Districts rule.

1 of 2

Story summary

Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced she will run for reelection in Florida’s 20th congressional district following the state’s redistricting.
Governor Ron DeSantis signed a GOP-led map that eliminated her former District 25 and added four Republican-leaning seats.
Black Democratic leaders, the Broward Black Democratic Caucus, accused her of carpetbagging and urged her not to run.
She now faces a Democratic primary that includes former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, under federal indictment, and Black candidates.

1 / 2