Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsement: Cherfilus-McCormick in US House 20 primary
It seems like yesterday when Democrats voted for a candidate to complete the term of the late U.S. Rep. Alcee Hastings in Florida's 20th congressional district. It was, in fact just a few months ago. With that term ending, next month those voters will have a three-person race for that slot that is shaping up to be a bitter re-match between U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness.
The Palm Beach Post endorses Cherfilus-McCormick. In her few months in office, she's shown an ability to represent the district as a backbench newbie, primarily by addressing district needs through constituent service. She is proving to be a quick study who warrants a full term in Congress.
FOR SUBSCRIBERS: Now in Congress, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to side 'more with progressives'
Florida's 20th congressional district is one of two heavily Democratic, majority-minority districts in South Florida. In Palm Beach County, the district includes Riviera Beach and portions of West Palm Beach, stretching west to The Glades. The Aug. 23 vote is a closed primary, which means only registered Democrats in the district can vote in this race. The winner will face Republican Drew Montez Clark in the November general election.
Cherfilus-McCormick, 43, is an attorney who worked as CEO of Trinity Healthcare Services. In her brief time in Congress, she has been a reliable Democratic vote. She has worked with the White House and Democratic congressional leaders to pass legislation to protect the environment from climate change, expand access to healthcare and support women's reproductive rights. If elected to a full term, she would work to fund affordable and workforce housing grants, push for universal healthcare and secure the right to vote by passing stronger election laws.
Holness, a 65-year-old real estate broker and a longtime county commissioner living in Plantation, is making his second bid for the seat, after losing to Cherfilus-McCormick in last year's special Democratic primary by five votes.
Since then, the anticipated rematch has devolved into a campaign of competing allegations and lawsuits. Holness who has raised questions about his opponent's finances, initially sued Cherfilus-McCormick, alleging she violated Florida statutes that prohibit offering money for votes when she made a campaign promise to push a plan that would give adults earning less than $75,000 a $1,000 annual check. This month, Cherfilus-McCormick filed a defamation suit against Holness and an aide, seeking damages exceeding $1 million, over allegations that Holness' campaign defamed her in accusing the congresswoman of embezzling to win the seat.
State Rep. Anika Omphroy, 43, living in Lauderdale Lakes, is also running in the primary. She hopes her experience in the Florida Legislature will give her traction in a contest in which her campaign has been clearly overshadowed by her two opponents. In a primary with a lot of sound and fury, Cherfilus-McCormick remains the best pick.
Other Palm Beach Post Editorial Board endorsements
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Elections 2022: Post endorses Cherfilus-McCormick in US House 20 primary
