South Florida Democrats are pushing back against newly approved congressional redistricting maps that could reshape political power in the region, including in District 20, where the seat is now open following the resignation of former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Read more Woman scammed 87-year-old widow out of $100k in romance scam, warrant says
Cherfilus-McCormick told reporters Monday she plans to run for reelection despite mounting legal troubles and a criminal trial looming.
“I never shied away from a fight, and my team has always said, we ready, and we are ready to fight and win,” Cherfilus-McCormick said.
Her announcement comes weeks after she resigned moments before a congressional hearing tied to a House Ethics Committee investigation. The committee found she committed numerous campaign finance and reporting violations, including allegations she stole millions in federal funds and funneled some of the money into her campaign.
When asked whether voters would continue to support her amid the allegations, Cherfilus-McCormick defended herself.
“That’s exactly what they are, allegations,” she said. “Everyone has a right to due process, and my constituents have been reaching out to me asking me to continue representing them.”
Cherfilus-McCormick joined other Democrats at a West Broward Democratic Club meeting focused on fighting the new redistricting map approved by the Florida Legislature and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Democrats argue the new districts place the party at a disadvantage.
Speaking at the event was Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who has announced plans to seek reelection but has not yet said which district she plans to run in.
“I am not focused on anything other than making sure I can effectively represent our community,” Wasserman Schultz said.
When asked whether she is considering a run in District 20, Wasserman Schultz declined to give a timeline for a decision.
“I’m not on anyone’s timetable. I will have the conversations I need to and reach a decision,” she said.
A potential Wasserman Schultz bid in District 20 could end years of Black congressional representation in the district, an idea Cherfilus-McCormick said she opposes.
“Absolutely not,” Cherfilus-McCormick said when asked whether she would support Wasserman Schultz running in the district. “This is not the moment for forum shopping. This is not the moment to say this is easier, this is not. What matters in this moment is to make sure all the strides we have made to make sure Black representation is actually present matters.”
Wasserman Schultz said her focus remains on opposing the current administration and addressing economic concerns facing constituents.
“The fight against Donald Trump and his MAGA extremists is critical,” Wasserman Schultz said. “We have people who had to close their small businesses down because they can’t afford the gas to deliver their products. We have people whose health insurance has quadrupled.”
As for which district Wasserman Shultz will run re-elections, that will be finalized by June 12.
Read more Over 31,000 illegal pills found during traffic stop on I-95 in Florida, sheriff says