The decision of longtime Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., to seek reelection in Florida’s newly redrawn, majority-minority 20th Congressional District has ignited fierce primary battles and deep divisions within the Democratic Party over Black political representation.

The move follows a redistricting plan signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis, which altered Wasserman Schultz’s traditional suburban stronghold into a competitive, GOP-leaning seat, The Wall Street Journal reported Wednesday.

Rather than running in that newly drawn 22nd District, where she maintains a home, the veteran lawmaker opted to pivot to the safely Democrat 20th District, a move that has roiled local activists and national party leaders alike.

Local leaders, including former Broward County Commissioner and Mayor Dale Holness, said they explicitly urged Wasserman Schultz, who is White, to avoid clearing out Black representation in the district.

Holness, who is Black, recalled presenting her with polling data showing she could win the 22nd District, only to be rebuffed.

“Dale, it’s not personal,” Wasserman Schultz told Holness, according to the former mayor.

Wasserman Schultz, a former Democratic National Committee chairwoman and the first Jewish congresswoman elected from Florida, defended her decision by citing her senior status on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

She argued that the district requires an experienced, seasoned voice to counter what she termed a Republican effort to marginalize Broward County’s political influence.

“Representation matters, and experience matters as well,” Wasserman Schultz said, noting she consulted with more than 100 local community leaders before launching her campaign.

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