Florida’s 20th Congressional District is entering a pivotal election season, with Democratic, Republican and independent candidates seeking to represent communities across Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Aug. 18, 2026, primary is about more than deciding who advances to the general election. It is an opportunity for voters to choose who they believe will best address the issues affecting their everyday lives, including affordability, housing, health care, education, immigration and public safety.

At Hy-Lo News, we believe our community deserves to know who is asking for their vote and what each candidate plans to accomplish in office. The next representative for District 20 will have a voice in federal policies and funding decisions that directly affect South Florida families, businesses and neighborhoods. Below, we have compiled a guide to the candidates and their priorities to help you head to the ballot box informed and prepared.

District 20 Democratic Candidates

Luther Campbell

Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell is a Miami native, businessman, author, youth football coach, mentor and cultural pioneer with Bahamian and Jamaican roots. Best known as the founder of Luke Records and a leader in Southern hip-hop, Campbell also fought for artistic freedom before the U.S. Supreme Court, helping protect creators’ First Amendment rights. He has spent more than 20 years mentoring young people and supporting underserved communities and is now seeking the Democratic nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Campbell’s campaign focuses on expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for working families across District 20. His priorities include affordable housing, lower homeowners insurance costs, support for small and minority-owned businesses, job creation and investments in trade schools, technology training and workforce development. He also aims to protect Medicare and Medicaid, expand access to affordable health care and strengthen housing and support services for seniors and veterans.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is a congresswoman, health care executive, wife and mother serving Florida’s 20th Congressional District. The daughter of Haitian immigrants, she was born in Brooklyn, raised in Queens and later made South Florida her home. Before entering Congress, she spent more than 20 years expanding access to health care, creating jobs and serving underserved communities.

Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living, expanding affordable housing and creating economic opportunities for South Florida families. Her priorities include protecting Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, reducing prescription drug costs, supporting small businesses and pursuing comprehensive immigration reform that protects Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. She also plans to defend voting and civil rights, improve mental health services and address maternal and infant health disparities.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Dale Holness

Dale V.C. Holness is a businessman and former Broward County mayor with more than 20 years of experience in elected office. After immigrating to South Florida as a teenager, he began his political journey at Broward Community College and later served as a Lauderhill commissioner and Broward County commissioner. His record includes expanding affordable housing, supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and leading Broward County during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holness’ campaign focuses on economic opportunity, affordable housing, health care, education, immigration and criminal justice reform. His priorities include tax relief for working families, greater support for small businesses, expanded Social Security benefits, a public health care option and stronger pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, Dreamers and Temporary Protected Status holders. He also supports increasing educators’ pay, reducing student debt, expanding workforce training and strengthening environmental protections.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Elijah Manley

Elijah Manley is an educator, community organizer and Fort Lauderdale native raised in the historic Sistrunk neighborhood. Growing up in poverty and experiencing homelessness and food insecurity inspired him to become involved in public service and advocate for struggling families. Manley previously ran for the Broward County School Board and Florida House and is now seeking the Democratic nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Manley’s campaign focuses on affordable housing, higher wages, workers’ rights and expanded economic opportunities for working families. His priorities include making health care more accessible, investing in public education, reforming the criminal justice system and protecting voting and civil rights. He also supports stronger climate action, modernized infrastructure and public safeguards for artificial intelligence and the digital economy.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Debbie Wasserman Schultz

Debbie Wasserman Schultz is Florida’s senior congresswoman and the state’s first Jewish woman elected to Congress. First elected to the U.S. House in 2004, she previously served in the Florida House and Senate and now holds a leadership role on the House Appropriations Committee. A breast cancer survivor and mother of three, Wasserman Schultz has helped pass laws supporting cancer screenings, child safety and survivors of sexual violence and is now seeking the Democratic nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Wasserman Schultz’s campaign focuses on protecting Social Security and Medicare, defending reproductive freedom and lowering health care costs. Her priorities also include strengthening public schools, preventing gun violence and supporting veterans, seniors and working families. She also advocates for restoring the Everglades, improving South Florida’s infrastructure and expanding access to women’s health services.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

District 20 Republican Candidates

Brent Andersen

Brent Andersen is a Pompano Beach businessman, longtime Republican leader and community advocate seeking the Republican nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. He is the founder and president of Pilgrim Bay Insurance Agency and previously served for two decades on the Massachusetts Republican State Committee, including as treasurer. Andersen has also held leadership roles in education, banking and community organizations focused on youth development and historic preservation.

Andersen’s campaign focuses on lowering the cost of living, expanding economic opportunities and addressing Florida’s property insurance crisis. His priorities include securing the border, supporting law enforcement, protecting taxpayers, strengthening small businesses and defending parental rights. He also supports fiscal responsibility, market-based policies and protecting constitutional freedoms.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Lateresa Jones

Lateresa “LA” Jones is a business owner, licensed real estate professional and child advocate seeking the Republican nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. She founded Grandmas for the Generations, an organization that empowers grandparents and advocates for children and families. Jones, a wife, mother and grandmother, has also worked with organizations supporting survivors of abuse and trafficking.

Jones’ campaign focuses on public safety, parental rights, government accountability and economic opportunity. Her priorities include supporting law enforcement, expanding school choice and vocational training, making housing more affordable and lowering taxes for families and small businesses. She also supports expanded veterans services, stronger border enforcement and community programs centered on entrepreneurship, mentorship and financial literacy.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Rod Joseph

Rod Joseph is a U.S. Army combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, humanitarian and Republican candidate for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. He served in the military for 20 years, earned a doctorate in diplomacy and international relations and has advocated for legislation supporting veterans, military families and small-business owners. A Haitian immigrant, father and community advocate, Joseph says his campaign is focused on service, bipartisan leadership and expanding opportunity.

Joseph’s campaign focuses on economic growth, education, public safety, immigration and support for veterans and seniors. His priorities include reducing taxes for small businesses, creating skilled jobs, expanding school choice and vocational training, lowering prescription drug costs and protecting Medicare and Social Security. He also supports stronger border security, legal pathways for immigrants, increased veterans benefits and additional resources for law enforcement and first responders.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

Carla Spalding

Carla Spalding is a U.S. Navy veteran, registered nurse, university professor and president of a telemedicine company. She holds a master’s degree in nursing education and previously worked as a nurse and nurse coordinator at a Veterans Affairs medical center. Spalding, who was the Republican nominee against Debbie Wasserman Schultz in 2022, is seeking the Republican nomination for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Spalding’s campaign focuses on national security, affordability, health care and bringing federal resources to District 20. Her priorities include strengthening the military and border security, lowering the costs of groceries, energy and health care and investing in infrastructure, veterans services, small businesses and community programs. She also supports mandatory federal nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, expanded mental health care, Second Amendment rights and religious liberty.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

District 20 Independent Candidate

Kedner Maxime

Kedner Maxime is a tax accountant, immigration services specialist, small-business owner and community advocate based in Oakland Park. For decades, he has operated a practice helping individuals and families navigate tax and immigration matters while promoting economic opportunity and government accountability. Maxime is a qualified independent candidate for Florida’s 20th Congressional District.

Maxime’s campaign focuses on affordable health care, economic security, housing and transparent government. His priorities include lowering health insurance premiums, expanding community health clinics, stabilizing rent, protecting veterans benefits and investing in schools, technical education and workforce development. He also supports increasing access to capital for small businesses and establishing a fair, humanitarian pathway to legal status for contributing immigrants.

Learn more here: Campaign Website

VOTER INFO BOX

Election Day: Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026
Poll Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Where to Vote: District 20 voters must vote at their assigned precinct in Broward or Palm Beach County.
Registration Deadline: The deadline to register or change party affiliation was July 20. Florida is a closed-primary state.

Early Voting: Aug. 8-16

Broward County: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Palm Beach County: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Vote by Mail: Requests must be received by 5 p.m. Aug. 6. Completed ballots must reach the appropriate elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day.

Visit BrowardVotes.gov or VotePalmBeach.gov for voting locations and additional information.

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