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2022 Florida's 20th congressional district special election

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For broader coverage of this topic, see Florida's 20th congressional district.
2022 Florida's 20th congressional district special election
← 2020 January 11, 2022[1] November 2022 →
Florida's 20th congressional district
 
Nominee Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Jason Mariner
Party Democratic Republican
Popular vote 44,707 10,966
Percentage 79.0% 19.4%
County results
Cherfilus-McCormick:      70–80%      80–90%
U.S. Representative before election

Alcee Hastings
Democratic

Elected U.S. Representative

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Democratic

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The 2022 Florida's 20th congressional district special election was a special election to the United States House of Representatives. The seat had been vacant since incumbent Democratic representative Alcee Hastings died on April 6, 2021, of pancreatic cancer.[2]

The special election was scheduled by Governor Ron DeSantis to be held on January 11, 2022. The primary elections were held on November 2, 2021.[1]

Democratic primary

[edit]

Campaign

[edit]

Following Hastings' death, 11 Democratic candidates made the primary ballot to replace him.[3]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]

Eliminated in primary

[edit]

Disqualified

[edit]

Declined

[edit]

Debates

[edit]

A two-part debate was held on September 15, 2021.[14][15]

2022 Florida's 20th congressional district Democratic primary debates
 No. Date & time Host Moderator Link Participants
Key:
 P  Participant    A  Absent    N  Non-invitee    W  Withdrawn
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Bobby DuBose Omari Hardy Dale Holness Barbara Sharief Priscilla Taylor Perry Thurston Jr.
1[16]  October 24, 2021 WPBF Todd McDermott [17] P A P P P A P

Endorsements

[edit]
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

Individuals

Organizations

Labor unions

Bobby DuBose

U.S. representatives

State legislators

Omari Hardy

State legislators

Newspapers and publications

Organizations

Dale Holness

State legislators

County officials

Local officials

Labor unions

Barbara Sharief

U.S. representatives

County officials

Newspapers and publications

Organizations

Perry E. Thurston Jr.

State legislators

County officials

Polling

[edit]

Graphical summary

Poll source Date(s)
administered 		Sample
size[a] 		Margin
of error 		Sheila
Cherfilus-McCormick 		Bobby
DuBose 		Omari
Hardy 		Dale
Holness 		Barbara
Sharief 		Priscilla
Taylor 		Perry
Thurston 		Other Undecided
Expedition Strategies (D)[37][A] October 20–24, 2021 500 (LV) ± 4.4% 15% 6% 5% 14% 13% 2% 10% 2%[b] 32%
Data for Progress (D)[38] July 6–7, 2021 314 (LV) ± 5.0% 6% 5% 10% 17% 14% 6% 8% 5%[c] 29%
Public Policy Polling (D)[39][B] April 2021 416 (LV) ± 4.8% – 7% – 13% 6% – 11% 12%[d] 50%
– – – 11% 7% – 14% 14%[e] 53%
– – – 15% 11% – 15% – 59%

Results

[edit]

Per Florida law, because the margin separating Cherfilus-McCormick and Holness was less than 0.5%, a recount was held.[35] Ballots received by November 12 from overseas were accepted. The two candidates were two votes apart as some ballots that had been cast were still in dispute.[40] On November 12, over a week after the primary, the Broward County canvassing board declared Cherfilus-McCormick the winner after a recount failed to change the vote totals. However, Holness did not immediately concede, pointing out that the board had rejected twelve overseas military ballots. He said he would confer with a lawyer to decide whether or not to challenge the results.[41] The Palm Beach County canvassing board voted to certify the election results on the same day.[42] State officials certified the results on November 16.[43]

Cherfilus-McCormick won in Palm Beach County, receiving 30% of the vote. Meanwhile, Holness won in Broward County, where he serves as county commissioner, with 29% of the vote.[4][44]

Results by county
  Cherfilus-McCormick—30-40%
  Holness—20%-30%
Democratic primary results[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick 11,662 23.76%
Democratic Dale Holness 11,657 23.75%
Democratic Barbara Sharief 8,680 17.69%
Democratic Perry E. Thurston Jr. 7,282 14.84%
Democratic Bobby DuBose 3,458 7.05%
Democratic Omari Hardy 2,902 5.91%
Democratic Priscilla Taylor 1,677 3.42%
Democratic Elvin Dowling 646 1.32%
Democratic Emmanuel Morel 454 0.93%
Democratic Phil Jackson 342 0.70%
Democratic Imran Siddiqui 316 0.64%
Total votes 49,074 100.00%

Aftermath

[edit]

Holness filed a lawsuit in Broward County Circuit Court on November 29 asking it to overturn the election results, alleging Cherfilus-McCormick to be "ineligible to hold office." The lawsuit asserts that Cherfilus-McCormick did not file proper financial paperwork and that her support for a universal basic income of $1,000 per month amounted to bribing voters.[46][47] Holness claimed that voters had asked workers at polling places "where they collect the $1,000 from, so they expected to get $1,000."[48] Election lawyer and former state representative Juan-Carlos Planas described the lawsuit as a "Hail Mary pass" and doubted it would be successful.[46] Don James, an attorney for Holness, acknowledged that the challenge likely would not be resolved in time for the election.[49] Mail-in ballots for the special election with Cherfilus-McCormick listed as the Democratic nominee were sent out beginning on December 3.[50]

On December 6, Cherfilus-McCormick's attorneys filed a lengthy brief in response to the lawsuit that disputed its claims, calling it "a desperate attempt to overturn the will of the voters." In response to the allegation of bribery, the brief points out that promising monetary benefits to voters is common, comparing Cherfilus-McCormick's support for a universal basic income to "a chicken in every pot and a car in every garage," a slogan used by former president Herbert Hoover in his 1928 presidential campaign. The brief also claims that Holness's complaint was filed too late and is thus invalid, and asks the judge to dismiss it and order Holness to pay Cherfilus-McCormick's legal fees.[51] Ultimately, Holness's challenge fell flat, as no judge took up the case.[52]

Republican primary

[edit]

Campaign

[edit]

Two Republicans made the primary ballot, businessman Jason Mariner and Greg Musselwhite, who had been the Republican nominee for the seat in 2020. The two men cut different appearances on the campaign trail, with Mariner presenting himself in a clean-cut fashion while Musselwhite campaigned in a more folksy manner.[53] A substantial part of Mariner's campaign was based around his turning his life around after previously being imprisoned twice on various felony charges.[54][55] Musselwhite attacked Mariner for his prior felony convictions, claiming in a later-deleted Facebook post that voters had a choice between "the correctional officer or the inmate".[53]

Mariner ran as an "America First conservative",[56] promoting false claims that the results of the 2020 presidential election were illegitimate, as well as making statements in support of the rioters at the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack and the Confederate Flag, which he defended as a "battle flag that was later co-opted by racist groups".[57]

Candidates

[edit]

Nominee

[edit]
  • Jason Mariner, businessman[4]

Eliminated in primary

[edit]
  • Gregory "Greg" Musselwhite, welding inspector and nominee for this district in 2020[4]

Disqualified

[edit]

Endorsements

[edit]
Jason Mariner

U.S. representatives

State officials

Newspapers and publications

Individuals

Results

[edit]
Results by county
  Mariner—50–60%
Republican primary results[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jason Mariner 3,500 57.8%
Republican Gregory Musselwhite 2,552 42.2%
Total votes 6,052 100.0%

Independent and third-party candidates

[edit]

Libertarian Party

[edit]

Declared

[edit]

Independents

[edit]

Declared

[edit]

Disqualified

[edit]

General election

[edit]

Predictions

[edit]
Source Ranking As of
The Cook Political Report[64] Solid D October 15, 2021
Inside Elections[65] Solid D January 10, 2022
Sabato's Crystal Ball[66] Safe D May 20, 2021

Endorsements

[edit]

Endorsements in bold were made after the primary elections.

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D)

State officials

County officials

Individuals

Organizations

Labor unions

Jason Mariner (R)

U.S. representatives

State officials

Individuals

Declined to endorse

Newspapers and publications

Results

[edit]

As expected by election prognosticators, Cherfilus-McCormick won the election by a landslide, winning 79% of the popular vote.[76] In spite of this, Mariner refused to concede, threatening to file a lawsuit to dispute the results.[76]

2022 Florida's 20th congressional district special election[77]
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick 44,707 78.96% +0.29
Republican Jason Mariner 10,966 19.37% –1.95
Libertarian Mike ter Maat 395 0.70% N/A
Independent Jim Flynn 265 0.47% N/A
Independent Lenny Serratore 262 0.46% N/A
Write-in Shelley Fain 22 0.04% N/A
Total votes 56,617 100.0%
Democratic hold
By county
County Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
Democratic 		Jason Mariner
Republican 		Mike ter Maat
Libertarian 		Various candidates
Other parties 		Margin Total
votes
# % # % # % # % # %
Broward (part) 32,867 82.74 6,228 15.68 252 0.63 375 0.94 26,639 67.06 39,722
Palm Beach (part) 11,840 70.08 4,738 28.04 143 0.85 174 1.03 7,102 42.04 16,895
Totals 44,707 78.96 10,966 19.37 395 0.70 549 0.97 33,741 59.59 56,617

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Key:
    A – all adults
    RV – registered voters
    LV – likely voters
    V – unclear
  2. ^ Jackson with 2%; Dowling, Morel, and Siddiqui with 0%
  3. ^ "Another candidate" with 5%; Matt Boswell and Emmanuel Morel with 0%
  4. ^ Bobby Powell with 9%; Shevrin Jones with 3%
  5. ^ Bobby Powell with 10%; Shevrin Jones with 4%

Partisan clients

  1. ^ This poll was commissioned by Pro-Israel America, which did not endorse any candidate.
  2. ^ This poll was commissioned by a Democratic consultant expected to work in the race.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Daugherty, Alex (May 4, 2021). "DeSantis schedules special election for Alcee Hastings' seat in 2022". Miami Herald. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  2. ^ Nicol, Ryan (April 6, 2021). "Alcee Hastings dies at 84 after cancer battle". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 6, 2021.
  3. ^ Daugherty, Alex (August 10, 2021). "Eleven Democrats qualify to replace Alcee Hastings in Congress". McClatchy DC Bureau. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Daugherty, Alex (August 10, 2021). "Eleven Democrats qualify to replace Alcee Hastings in Congress". Miami Herald. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  5. ^ Daugherty, Alex (November 12, 2021). "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is 'apparent winner' of FL-20 Democratic primary". Miami Herald.
  6. ^ a b c d e Nicol, Ryan (July 13, 2021). "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, largely self-funding CD 20 bid, adds $2.4 million in Q2". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  7. ^ Nicol, Ryan (April 12, 2021). "Broward Commissioner Dale Holness to join Special Election to replace Alcee Hastings". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  8. ^ Daughtery, Alex; C. Isaiah Smalls II (April 12, 2021). "Broward Commissioner Dale Holness runs for Congress with support from Hastings' son". Miami Herald. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  9. ^ Man, Anthony (April 22, 2021). "Palm Beach County Commissioner Mack Bernard has 'zero interest' in running for Congress". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved April 22, 2021.
  10. ^ Man, Anthony (April 15, 2021). "Shevrin Jones won't run for Alcee Hastings' congressional seat". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  11. ^ "Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay Endorses Barbara Sharief for U.S. Congress, District 20". Patriot Games, Inc. EIN PressWire. April 12, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  12. ^ a b Nicol, Ryan (August 5, 2021). "Bobby Powell opts against CD 20 bid, endorses Bobby DuBose". Florida Politics. Retrieved August 7, 2021.
  13. ^ Man, Anthony (April 11, 2021). "Death of congressman Alcee Hastings sets off political showdown, as candidates line up to replace him". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved April 26, 2021.
  14. ^ Nicol, Ryan (September 16, 2021). "CD 20 candidates talk vaccine mandates, court-packing at two-part virtual candidate forum". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  15. ^ Nicol, Ryan (September 16, 2021). "Candidates voice broad support for Joe Biden's agenda in part two of CD 20 forum". Florida Politics. Retrieved April 26, 2024.
  16. ^ "WATCH: U.S. House District 20 Democratic Primary Debate". WPBF. October 24, 2021. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  17. ^ Video
  18. ^ a b "Marianne Williamson's Candidate Summit". Candidate Summit. Retrieved July 8, 2021.
  19. ^ a b Nicol, Ryan (June 11, 2021). "Brand New Congress endorses Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in CD 20 Special Election". Florida Politics. Retrieved June 20, 2021.
  20. ^ a b Nicol, Ryan (July 9, 2021). "Communications Workers of America endorses Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in CD 20". Florida Politics. Retrieved July 11, 2021.
  21. ^ "Previewing the FL-20 special Democratic primary". Ballotpedia News. October 30, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  22. ^ a b c d Downey, Renzo (July 5, 2021). "Bobby DuBose nabs $225K, picks up congressional endorsement in CD 20". Florida Politics. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  23. ^ a b c Nicol, Ryan (August 17, 2021). "Three progressive House Democrats back Omari Hardy in CD 20 contest". Florida Politics. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  24. ^ Sun Sentinel Editorial Board (October 1, 2021). "Endorsement: For Democrats in U.S. House District 20, progressive Omari Hardy". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  25. ^ Stephanie Akin (October 6, 2021). "Liberal-moderate rift not a factor in crowded Florida primary to succeed Alcee Hastings". Roll Call. Retrieved October 10, 2021.
  26. ^ "Campaign Endorsements". Dale Holness for Congress. August 17, 2021. Archived from the original on August 22, 2022. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  27. ^ a b c Man, Anthony (April 12, 2021). "Dale Holness announces congressional candidacy — with boost from Alcee Hastings' son". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  28. ^ Nicol, Ryan (August 16, 2021). "SEIU Florida endorses Dale Holness in crowded race to replace Alcee Hastings". Florida Politics. Retrieved August 17, 2021.
  29. ^ a b Kassel, Matthew (October 14, 2021). "A Black Muslim candidate in Florida's 20th casts herself as a strong supporter of Israel". Jewish Insider. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  30. ^ Ceant, Wen-kuni (May 18, 2021). "Who was Congressman Alcee Hastings, and what did his legacy teach us?". TheGrio. Retrieved May 18, 2021.
  31. ^ The Miami Herald Editorial Board (October 21, 2022). "Experience and compromise make this candidate ready to replace Alcee Hastings in Congress: Editorial". Miami Herald. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  32. ^ The Palm Beach Post Editorial Board (October 15, 2021). "Editorial: Vote for Florida Democrat Barbara Sharief for Hastings seat". The Palm Beach Post. Retrieved October 17, 2021.
  33. ^ "Dr. Barbara Sharief". 314 Action. Archived from the original on October 11, 2021. Retrieved October 11, 2021.
  34. ^ "U.S. House Candidates". www.emilyslist.org.
  35. ^ a b c d e f Daugherty, Alex (November 3, 2021). "Democratic primary to replace Alcee Hastings is too close to call". Miami Herald. Archived from the original on November 3, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021.
  36. ^ a b Geggis, Anne (July 13, 2021). "Perry Thurston rakes in $280K for CD 20 Special Election". Florida Politics. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
  37. ^ Expedition Strategies (D)
  38. ^ Data for Progress (D)
  39. ^ Public Policy Polling (D)
  40. ^ Rivero, Daniel (November 5, 2021). "Vote lead continues to change in Florida U.S. congressional primary recount". WLRN-FM. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
  41. ^ Murray, Joan (November 12, 2021). "Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Wins Democratic Primary Race For District 20". WFOR-TV.
  42. ^ Burke, Peter; Sczesny, Matt (November 12, 2021). "Palm Beach County Canvassing Board certifies results for special primary election". WPTV-TV.
  43. ^ Greenwood, Max (November 16, 2021). "Florida officials certify 5-vote victory in primary for Alcee Hastings' seat". The Hill.
  44. ^ "Florida Special Primary Election Results: 20th Congressional District". The New York Times. November 3, 2021. Archived from the original on November 2, 2021.
  45. ^ a b "2021 Florida Special Primary Election Results: 20th Congressional District". NBC News. November 3, 2021.
  46. ^ a b Man, Anthony; Olmeda, Rafael (November 29, 2021). "Holness asserts Cherfilus-McCormick is 'ineligible to hold office,' asks court to overturn congressional voting results". Sun-Sentinel. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  47. ^ Dwork, David (November 29, 2021). "Dale Holness suing to overturn results of District 20 primary won by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick". WPLG. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved November 30, 2021.
  48. ^ Milberg, Glenna; Torres, Andrea (November 30, 2021). "Holness refuses to concede defeat, grabs on to legal challenges". WPLG.
  49. ^ Geggis, Anne (December 7, 2021). "Dale Holness, Still Appealing Congressional District 20 Loss, Files for 2022 Rematch". Tamarac Talk.
  50. ^ "Broward elections supervisor: 'Voters should decide elections, not the postal service'". December 6, 2021.
  51. ^ Man, Anthony (December 6, 2021). "Holness plans rematch after losing primary to Cherfilus-McCormick by just 5 votes". Sun-Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved December 6, 2021.
  52. ^ Weigel, David (January 11, 2022). "Democrat Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick wins House seat in Florida once held by Alcee Hastings". The Washington Post. Retrieved May 27, 2022.
  53. ^ a b c d Manjarres, Javier (August 26, 2021). "Musselwhite Deletes Facebook Attack Against GOP Opponent Mariner". The Floridian. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  54. ^ a b Sun Sentinel Editorial Board (October 1, 2021). "Endorsement: Republicans in 20th District should choose Jason Mariner". Sun-Sentinel. Retrieved October 31, 2021.
  55. ^ Bolies, Corbin (November 5, 2021). "Florida GOP Dist 20 winner, Jason Mariner, did not follow process to hold office after jail". Palm Beach Post. Retrieved December 10, 2021.
  56. ^ "A Florida felon won a GOP congressional primary, but can he hold office?". Tampa Bay Times. November 5, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  57. ^ Bolies, Colin (November 24, 2021). "This Confederate Flag-Tattoo'd Felon Is Running for Congress". The Daily Beast. Retrieved December 12, 2021.
  58. ^ "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Florida Department of State. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  59. ^ Derby, Kevin (April 28, 2021). "Omari Hardy Enters Crowded Congressional Race, Promising to Fight for Green New Deal, Racial Justice". Florida Daily. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  60. ^ a b Jason Mariner For Congress ENDORSED BY ROGER STONE! VOTE MarinerForCongress.com. Mariner For Congress. October 12, 2021. Archived from the original on January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2022 – via YouTube.
  61. ^ "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Florida Department of State. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  62. ^ "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Florida Department of State. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  63. ^ "Candidate Tracking system - Florida Division of Elections - Department of State". Florida Department of State. Archived from the original on August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  64. ^ Dave Wasserman (October 15, 2021). "FL-20: Wealthy Newcomer Could Upend "Old Guard" in Crowded Democratic Primary". Retrieved October 15, 2021.
  65. ^ "House Ratings". The Rothenberg Political Report. March 19, 2021. Retrieved March 20, 2021.
  66. ^ Kondik, Kyle (May 20, 2021). "The House: Democrats Would Have a Tough Slog Even Without Redistricting". Retrieved May 20, 2021.
  67. ^ "To Succeed Alcee Hastings: Vote Sheila McCormick". Florida Political Review. December 5, 2021. Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  68. ^ Man, Anthony (November 20, 2021). "Here's how Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick won the primary — and her plans to be Florida's newest congresswoman". Sun-Sentinel. Tribune Publishing. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  69. ^ "Florida College Democrats is honored to formally endorse Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick for the General Election of Florida's 20th U.S. Congressional District!". Facebook. December 4, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  70. ^ "LGBTQ+ Dems Endorse in Broward County Special Elections". www.lgbtqdems.org. December 30, 2021. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
  71. ^ "SIERRA CLUB ENDORSEMENTS". www.sierraclubindependentaction.org. March 19, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
  72. ^ The Legendary Mr. Speaker Newt Gingrich & Congressional Nominee Jason Mariner. Mariner For Congress. November 10, 2021. Archived from the original on January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 21, 2022 – via YouTube.
  73. ^ MARINER FOR CONGRESS Gets Another Great Endorsement From Congressman Burgess Owens. Mariner For Congress. December 8, 2021. Retrieved January 21, 2022 – via YouTube.
  74. ^ "Clear choice in state HD 88 race; not in U.S. District 20". www.palmbeachpost.com. The Palm Beach Post. December 22, 2021. Retrieved December 22, 2021.
  75. ^ "In race for Congress, no transparency means no endorsement". www.sun-sentinel.com. Sun-Sentinel. December 15, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  76. ^ a b Pindell, James (January 13, 2022). "A Democrat won a US House seat this week with 79 percent of the vote. Her GOP opponent has not conceded". The Boston Globe. Retrieved January 14, 2022.
  77. ^ "January 11, 2022 Special Election". Florida Department of State Division of Elections. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
[edit]

Official campaign websites

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