I Disagree With Florida Black Democrats

By Lucius Gantt

I get it. I know Blacks in Broward County Florida feel some kind of way about Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz switching districts after the recent gerrymandering by Florida Republicans in the state legislature.

Debbie is no friend of mine but if she can beat the Black candidate in a predominately Black Congressional district, what's the problem?

Just because Florida Congressional District 20 has had a history of Black representation, it doesn't mean the district's makeup of Black voters will remain the same forever.

In my mind, political positions belong to whoever can generate the most votes.

Tallahassee, Florida's Capitol City, has had many Black Mayors but no one will suggest that all Tallahassee Mayors should be African America.

It's no secret, that Republicans nationwide are joining together to minimize and suppress Black votes in a multitude of ways.

But members of the TGR family know political history and we also know that in some reapportionment votes, if Blacks were told they would get more House seats and more Senate seats, Blacks would support the GOP plans.

We also know politics and political money are parallel, billions will be spent during election time and less than 3% of total campaign dollars will be spent with the Blacks that everyone if office says they love.

Politicians love for you to contribute and volunteer but your vote is the only value you have with any political candidate. Usually, if Blacks don't vote, Democrats don't win!

"What's your race?" is not the most important political question. "Who can deliver?" has more significance for Black districts and communities.

Congresswoman Wasserman-Shultz is in the American political power structure. She does have a voice in Democratic leadership that will be heard.

Meanwhile, Blacks in Broward County can learn a lot from Debbie. Debbie will hire Jewish professionals on her campaign team.

Most Florida elected officials of color, especially Black candidates who are lauded by Black officers of the State Democratic Party, are quick to point out Republical gerrymandering but extremely slow in hiring Black Professionals in political purchasing positions.

Political parties want Black votes but they will never desire Black political power.

If Broward Blacks don't want Debbie to represent them, all they have to do is beat her at the ballot box.

The idea that seats always held by Blacks should always be Black is just as crazy as saying all seats held by whites should always be white!

Once upon a time, Democrats controlled the State of Florida and other southern states. The Sunshine State turned Republican in the early 80's and they never lost control again.

I, and others with political experience, are hoping all Black candidates do well in the 2026 elections but if you poll Black candidates, most can't even name a Black political professional.

The Broward situation is similar to situations where prominent Blacks get fired from prominent positions. Fired Blacks often run to the NAACP or the SCLC to complain about discrimination in the workplace just like Black candidates complain about white opponents for Congressional seats once held by a Black person.

All is fair in love, war, and politics!

If Blacks don't want Debbie in District 20, vote for the better candidate.

Political success is the best revenge!

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