Technically classified as the incumbent candidate, Wasserman Schultz, who originally held Florida District 25’s congressional seat, has earned the Democratic nomination for District 20 after shifting her sights to the predominantly black community.

The Associated Press called the election at 7:24 p.m. on Tuesday, announcing Wasserman Schultz the victor, claiming 47.8% of the vote. Second place was former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness, who secured 22.1% of the vote.

Having run as the only white candidate, Wasserman Schultz faced a crowded field, including former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Mayor Holness, substitute teacher and organizer Elijah Manley, and rapper-turned-activist Luther “UncleLuke” Campbell.

Hailed as Democrat’s Democrat, Wasserman Schultz has had a decorated career, standing as one of the party’s most recognizable figures, acting as a key surrogate for President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign.

Her lengthy tenure in Congress has given the incumbent plenty of financial wiggle room, with fundraising at around $3.3 million this election cycle.

Wasserman Schultz, who has represented South Florida in Congress since 2005, was forced to run in the new seat after state Republicans, through congressional redistricting, split her former district.

Before leaving office, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law new congressional boundaries during the 2026 legislative year.

This has led to districts being completely redrawn, forcing some incumbents, like Wasserman Schultz, and longtime officeholders into unfamiliar or more competitive contests.

While it is facing litigation in Florida courts, it will be used for this year’s election.

Her candidacy was met with criticism by her opponents, with Elijah Manley accusing the incumbent candidate of trying to “take away black representation.”

“I think it’s cynical for the congresswoman to carpetbag into a district and try to take away black representation in a split field,” said Manley during an interview with CNN.

Regardless, Wasserman Schultz remained adamant that her experience in Congress will serve the Black and Hispanic communities well.

“I’m not air dropping myself into this district,” she told The Associated Press. “I have represented diverse communities. I know how to tailor my service to them and represent a district more broadly.”

Her win is both surprising and not, given the history of minority representatives in District 20, paired with Wasserman Schultz's legacy and substantial financial backing that gave her a much-needed advantage over the competition.

Wasserman Schultz is set to compete against GOP representative Brent Anderson, whom the AP called the victor in the Republican primary at 7:38 p.m., earning 53.2% of the vote.

Both candidates are set to compete for the congressional seat November 3.