House Candidates Home | Congressional Map | Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz Democrat of Florida, District 20
For U.S House of Representatives in 2012Statistics
Party: Democrat
Born: 9/27/66
Education: U. of Florida, BA/MA Political Science
Occupation: Florida State House, Florida State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives
Family: Married, Steve Schultz; 3 Children
Religion: Jewish
Political Career: Florida State House (1993-2001), Florida State Senate (2001-2003) U.S. House of Representatives (2004-Present), Chief Deputy Whip, U.S. House (2008-Present), Democratic National Committee Vice-Chair (2009-2011), Chair (2011-Present)
Committees: Budget Committee, Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Intellectual Property Competition and the Internet
Why Your Support
When Debbie Wasserman Schultz was first elected to the House in 2004, she became the first Jewish woman to represent Florida at the national level. Young and fiercely hardworking, Wasserman Schultz has proven to be a valuable leader for the Democratic Party in terms of fundraising prowess and political communication skills. As Chair of the Democratic National Committee, she continues to legislate on behalf of her district while expanding her role and influence within the party leading to the 2012 elections. She is a ubituious television presence, often called upon to comment on issues that are politically contentious.
Her heavily Democratic-leaning district contains the largest constituency of elderly in the country as well as a significant Jewish population. Strong priorities in this district are social security and Medicare, along with women’s reproductive health rights, issues affecting the gay and lesbian communities and other progressive stances, all of which are reflected in the Congresswoman’s advocacy and votes.
On foreign policy, the Congresswoman has been a strong advocate for the unbreakable U.S.-Israel alliance. She has consistently voted for foreign assistance to the Jewish state and has supported Israel’s right to self-defense. While a member of Congress, she has accompanied several of her non-Jewish colleagues on Congressional Delegation trips to Israel, and never wavered in her commitment to the Jewish state.
In terms of the issues JAC prioritizes, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz has been an unwavering supporter of women’s rights, including reproductive health rights. On the issue of choice, the Congresswoman has been a visible and vocal proponent of a woman’s right to choose, and in the recent health care debate she demonstrated just how strongly she felt about these rights. During the debate over the health care reform legislation, the Congresswoman was resolutely critical of the Stupak-Pitts amendment, which places limits on taxpayer funding for abortions. An outstanding young leader, Debbie Wasserman Schultz is the quintessential JAC candidate.
Background
Florida represents one of the most challenging states for the 2012 election cycle. Florida is commonly regarded as a swing state; however, in 2010 the voters leaned decisively towards the right, electing a Republican Senator and Governor. While President Obama won Florida’s electoral votes in the 2008 election, the narrow gap – he won with just 49% of the vote – combined with the Republican gains in 2010 demonstrate significant challenges for the upcoming election cycle.
Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz will be running for her fifth term as the Representative from Florida’s 20th district, a Democratic-leaning constituency. However, with the current tide in Florida, and her more-prominent status as a leader of the Democratic Party, more unfavorable factors can be anticipated from those who oppose her viewpoint.
About The Candidate
Debbie Wasserman Schultz is consistently heralded as one of the hardest-working multi-taskers in the House. After beating breast cancer in private, only revealing her personal trauma once she was declared in remission, the Congresswoman advocated for a bill – the EARLY Act, Early Awareness Requires Learning Young – which now encourages and funds projects to increase awareness among younger populations about the risk of breast cancer and prevention methods. In addition, the Congresswoman spearheaded an initiative to begin a month dedicated to educating the general public on Jewish American Heritage, which is now celebrated every May. With three young children in Florida, the Congresswoman successfully balances her commitment to her district, her role as chair of the Democratic National Committee, and the needs of her young family. A rising star in the party, Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz shows no signs of slowing down as she readies to help House Democrats win back the majority in 2012.
