BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. — Candidates for Congressional District 20 debated issues ranging from voting rights to property insurance affordability Wednesday night.
The forum was hosted by the Urban League of Broward, while questions about representation in the majority-Black district remained front and center.
“There is an attack on Black people in this country and we have to stand up against that and we have to speak out against that,” congressional candidate Elijah Manley said.
The forum took place in Congressional District 20, where roughly half of the constituents are Black. The seat is currently held by Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is seeking reelection.
“This is a Black access district, and if we erase the remedy, we erase the past, and that would lead us into a future that would destroy us,” Cherfilus-McCormick said. “So everybody must talk about what is wrong at this time, having someone come into our district forum shopping.”
The comment appeared to be aimed at Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, whose district was eliminated under a new redistricting map. Wasserman Schultz is now running in District 20 against five other candidates who are Black.
“I think my record speaks for itself,” Wasserman Schultz said. “I’ve been a strong fighter over my entire career to stand up and be a voice for consumers and to push back on businesses and industries who take advantage of consumers.”
Wasserman Schultz said she has fought for minorities, jobs and immigrants during her time in Washington, but candidates throughout the evening continued to emphasize the importance of minority representation.
“When everyone has a seat at the table, we’re better for it. We’re stronger for it,” candidate Dale Holness said.
The discussion also touched on climate change, health care and voting rights.
“We need regulations, strict regulations, cut the red tape, promote small local business, and that way we can empower our own insurance company locally,” candidate Rod Joseph said.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s ethics investigation also came up during the forum.
One candidate was notably absent from the event: Luther Campbell. The rapper-turned-political candidate later posted a message on Facebook explaining why he did not attend.
“I love a good fight, but I never confirmed an event. Nobody on my team confirmed an event,” Campbell wrote.
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