A progressive political action committee has thrown its weight behind a 27-year-old substitute teacher who overcame childhood homelessness, in a bid to unseat veteran Democrat Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida's upcoming primary election.
The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC) announced its endorsement of Elijah Manley in the primary for Florida's newly drawn 20th congressional district, framing the race as a clash between a young economic populist and a pillar of the Democratic establishment. Manley, who is Black, grew up homeless in Fort Lauderdale's historic Sistrunk neighborhood and is campaigning on a platform of universal healthcare, a federal jobs guarantee, and a pledge to build an economy where workers have rights and the wealthy pay their fair share.
Controversial District Move
Wasserman Schultz, 59, an 11-term congresswoman and former chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), has faced criticism from African American leaders for deciding to run as the sole white candidate in a majority-minority district where she does not reside. This followed the creation of gerrymandered congressional maps by Florida Republicans that split her current seat into five shards. She opted not to run in the 22nd district, where she lives, and instead chose the deep blue 20th, which has been represented by Black Democrats for over three decades.
Yvette Clarke, chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, told Politico on Friday: "It's a painful situation. To have a beloved colleague who made a decision basically to run in a district where historically there's been CBC representation, and I know that the community has been really disrupted by it."
Primary Field and Endorsement Impact
Other candidates in the primary include former congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned in April over allegations of misusing $5 million in federal funds (which she denies), former Broward County mayor Dale Holness, and community activist Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, a rapper known for his role in 2 Live Crew. A May poll by the Listener Group suggested Manley could pose a serious challenge: in a head-to-head matchup, Wasserman Schultz led 39% to 21%, but after voters were given basic biographical information, Manley moved ahead 36% to 27%, according to the poll cited by the PCCC.
Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the PCCC, said: "Elijah Manley isn't just talking about the fight for working people – he's lived it. He's running a campaign built on Medicare for All, good jobs, and an economy that finally works for the people, not just the wealthy and well-connected. Debbie Wasserman Schultz represents the Democratic establishment. Voters are ready for young new fighters like Elijah."
Manley's Response and Broader Support
Manley welcomed the endorsement, stating the group has been "on the frontlines of every major fight for working people" for over a decade. "I'm honoured to earn their endorsement," he said. "Together, we're going to fight for the working families of South Florida and build an economy that works for everyone."
Wasserman Schultz, in Congress since 2005, has long been a divisive figure. She was forced to resign as DNC chair after leaked emails suggested bias in favor of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential primary, sparking criticism from supporters of Bernie Sanders. Manley tweeted in May: "Debbie Wasserman Schultz is carpetbagging to FL-20, a black opportunity district instead of running in her own. DWS is everything that's wrong with the Democratic establishment. From insider trading to payday lenders. I look forward to retiring her from public office permanently."
The PCCC is also backing Oliver Larkin, a democratic socialist organizer and union strategist, challenging Democrat Jared Moskowitz in Florida's newly drawn 25th congressional district. The group noted its endorsed candidates who have already won primaries this cycle include Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota's Senate race, Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan's Senate contest, James Talarico in Texas's Senate election, and Brad Lander in New York's 10th congressional district.
