Democratic congressional candidate Elijah Manley has accused opponent Dale Holness of making antisemitic comments during a meeting of candidates challenging U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Florida's 20th Congressional District primary. The alleged remarks occurred while the candidates discussed whether Black candidates should unite behind a single alternative to Wasserman Schultz. According to Manley, Holness stated that "the Jews are coming for all the seats" and claimed they had fought him throughout his career, including during his time on the County Commission. Manley, who converted to Judaism six years ago, said Holness referenced Wasserman Schultz, lobbyists Ron Book and Bernie Friedman, and former Senate Minority Leader Lauren Book as part of a political conspiracy.
Holness flatly denied the allegations, calling them "an absolute lie." He emphasized his strong relationships with Jewish community leaders and said he has consistently supported Jewish elected officials and business owners. Holness noted that he considers Friedman a close friend, that Book has donated to his campaigns, and that he recently attended fundraisers for U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin. He also pointed to his record of supporting mayors and commissioners in his former city. "Elijah is making up stories in order to get attention," Holness said. Wasserman Schultz declined to comment on the dispute.
Stephen Johnson, another attendee at the meeting, provided a different account of what transpired. Johnson said he never heard Holness raise the subject of Jewish Americans and recalled only bringing up Jewishness himself when questioning whether Black church members would accept Manley given his Jewish faith and LGBTQ identity. The meeting included four Black candidates for the district: Manley, Holness, former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, and rapper-turned-community leader Luther Campbell. Florida Politics contacted other attendees for their recollections but received no additional responses.
The controversy reflects broader tensions in the race following Wasserman Schultz's decision to run in the newly drawn CD 20 district. That district was originally created in 1992 as a majority Black seat and has been represented by Black lawmakers since its inception. Wasserman Schultz's district was dismantled under a new congressional map signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. Manley has already qualified for the ballot, while Cherfilus-McCormick told local media she intends to do the same. Holness also expects to qualify and predicted all candidates from the meeting would appear on the ballot.