Just over 2.5 miles from President Donald Trump’s main residence lies one of Florida’s most certain Democratic congressional districts. There, the 27-year-old progressive is running a campaign centered on resisting what he calls the Trump-Vance administration’s attacks on civil rights, immigration and LGBTQ Americans.
Elijah Manley, an openly gay Democrat, spoke with the Washington Blade about why he is running for Florida’s 20th Congressional District, why he believes this moment calls for a new generation of leadership, and what he hopes to accomplish if elected to Congress.
Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale’s historic Systrunk neighborhood (the city’s oldest African-American community), Manley was raised by a single mother who struggled to make ends meet. His family experienced housing insecurity and was homeless at one point, an experience he says continues to shape both his politics and policy priorities.
For Manley, these experiences are exactly what he believes Congress lacks.
“I think this country needs someone like me right now, my story, my lived experience, the struggles I’ve been through in my life. We’re going through a really dark time in this country with the Trump administration coming in for civil rights and an economy that’s not working for everyone. In an era of MAGA fascism, we need progressive leadership, and we need people who are serious about doing the job of fighting back, resisting, and disrupting the work of Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican Party.” ”
Manley said his campaign is also about giving people from marginalized communities – people without wealth, political connections or institutional support – a voice in Congress.
“I think my story sets me apart from everyone else. I’m the only person in this campaign who can tell a story to voters that aligns with their lived experiences and struggles. Growing up in poverty and experiencing homelessness helped me develop my worldview and the way I fight for people, and I don’t think that’s something I have at the Capitol.”
He argues that lived experience provides a perspective often lacking on Capitol Hill.
“There are too many lawyers and people with professional and political backgrounds, and there are people like me who are rooted in the story of this district. That’s what sets me apart from everyone else in this race.”
According to his campaign website, Manley’s interest in public service dates back to his childhood. He cites the election of President Barack Obama as the defining moment that led him to pursue a career in politics.
“He was inspired by Barack Obama’s historic election and ignited a passion for public service. He began writing letters to elected officials, speaking at school board and city council meetings, and advocating for issues affecting the community.” The website says:. It also describes his involvement in the Criminal Justice and Law Magnet program during his high school years, Navy JROTC, and hundreds of hours of volunteer work.
Manley, who is openly gay during the second Trump administration, said Congress needs to take a more aggressive approach to protecting LGBTQ Americans, especially as Republican-led states continue to pass regulations targeting transgender people.
“I think we need to put the hammer down on some of these states. I’m not one of these states’ rights advocates. Congress has the power to pre-empt any law that allows the states to pass the Supremacy Clause. There’s never been a more important time in our history than right now, when we’re seeing fascism, we’re seeing an out-of-control regime, and we need Congressional action.”
His campaign has also drawn criticism from both Republicans and establishment Democrats for his positions on Gaza, immigration and abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Manley said abolishing ICE does not mean completely abolishing immigration enforcement.
“I’m not saying we should get rid of immigration laws. We want immigration laws, but we also want dignity. We don’t need hyper-militarized militias chasing people through the streets and terrorizing communities, churches, schools, and families.”
His personal experiences also influence his healthcare challenges.
“When we talk about health care, my experience growing up on Medicaid, watching the government fail to expand Medicaid here in Florida, and now seeing the cuts by the Trump administration. I’m not just looking at statistics and numbers on paper. This is based on lived experience. I know how people in this district are hurt by these policies, because I’ve lived through this region.”
California Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna was early talked about as a potential 2028 presidential candidate due to his “progressive capitalist” approach to governance. supported Mr. Manley’s campaign.giving the first-time Congressional candidate one of its most high-profile supporters.
Manley will face six other Democrats in the primary, including U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz and former Rep. Sheila Cherfils McCormick, and four Republican candidates in the general election. Charfilas McCormick resigned from Congress in the face of possible expulsion and is running again despite facing federal criminal charges.
Despite being the youngest candidate running, Manley said he hopes voters leave the race remembering one thing above all else.
“I want to remind people of bold, authentic leadership. I’m running because this is what people are going through right now. And I didn’t go through it, in fact, I’m going through it right now. We need bold people who will fight for everyone and stand up for what’s right. That’s what I expect when voters go to the polls.”
Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com
