Key facts
- House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has not decided on endorsing Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
- Jeffries typically backs all House Democratic incumbents.
- Wasserman Schultz is running in Florida's 20th congressional district, a majority-minority area.
- Black Democrats are angered by Wasserman Schultz's decision to run in the district.
- The primary election is scheduled for August 18.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) stated on Tuesday that he has not yet made a decision regarding his support for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz's (D-Fla.) reelection campaign. This stance is notable because Jeffries is typically known for consistently backing all House Democratic incumbents, and this deviation has surprised some of his colleagues. Wasserman Schultz has generated anger among Black Democrats due to her decision to run in Florida's 20th congressional district, a majority-minority area. Jeffries acknowledged the sensitivities surrounding the district, referencing what he called an "unprecedented Jim Crow-like assault on black political representation." He stated that candidates have the right to run where they choose and must make their case to voters, a message he conveyed directly to Wasserman Schultz. Despite the current uncertainty, Jeffries did not entirely rule out endorsing her, and there is still time before the August 18 primary and the upcoming congressional filing deadline. Other candidates in the Democratic primary for the solidly blue seat include activist Elijah Manley, former Broward County mayor Dale Holeness, rapper Luther Campbell, and former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.