Elijah Manley is Fort Lauderdale’s home town member of the LGBTQ communty now running for Congress. Facing a dire political landscape, the Democratic Party is in need of fresh leadership, and the 26-year-old may just be the spark they need. A passionate community organizer from South Florida, Manley has announced his candidacy for Congress in Florida’s 20th district, aiming to challenge incumbent Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Manley’s bid is driven by a desire for change and a deep-rooted frustration with the status quo. He’s taking direct aim at Cherfilus-McCormick, who has faced an investigation into alleged campaign finance fraud since winning her seat in a 2022 special election. Manley believes that Cherfilus-McCormick has failed her constituents, prioritizing her legal issues over the community’s needs. Growing up in deep poverty and experiencing chronic homelessness as a gay man, Manley understands the challenges faced by the most vulnerable in his community.
Florida’s 20th district is the only majority-Black district in the state, and Manley’s message resonates with those seeking genuine change. Manley’s unapologetic, no-filter approach sets him apart as a voice for younger, more progressive Democrats who are ready to challenge the establishment. With his candidacy, Manley hopes to bring the change many Democrats feel has been missing for too long. If elected, he would be the youngest member of Congress.
