Florida's 23rd Congressional District election, 2016
2018 →
← 2014
|
 |
November 8, 2016 |
August 30, 2016 |
Debbie Wasserman Schultz  |
Debbie Wasserman Schultz |
 |
Cook Political Report: Solid D[1] Sabato's Crystal Ball: Safe D[2] Rothenberg & Gonzales: Safe D[3] |
 |
The 23rd Congressional District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 8, 2016.
Heading into the election, Ballotpedia rated this race as safely Democratic. Incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) defeated Joe Kaufman (R), Donald Endriss (I), and Lyle Milstein (I) in the general election on November 8, 2016. Wasserman Schultz defeated Tim Canova in the Democratic primary, while Kaufman defeated Martin Feigenbaum to win the Republican nomination. The primary elections took place on August 30, 2016.[4][5]
| Candidate Filing Deadline | Primary Election | General Election |
|---|---|---|
Primary: A primary election is an election in which registered voters select a candidate that they believe should be a political party's candidate for elected office to run in the general election. They are also used to choose convention delegates and party leaders. Primaries are state-level and local-level elections that take place prior to a general election. Florida utilizes a closed primary process, in which the selection of a party's candidates in an election is limited to registered party members.[6][7]
For information about which offices are nominated via primary election, see this article.
Incumbent: Heading into the election the incumbent was Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D), who was first elected in 2004.
As of the 2010 redistricting cycle, Florida's 23rd Congressional District was located in southern Florida and consisted of portions of Broward and Miami-Dade counties.[8]
Election results
General election
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic |  Debbie Wasserman Schultz Incumbent |
56.7% | 183,225 | |
| Republican | Joe Kaufman | 40.5% | 130,818 | |
| Independent | Donald Endriss | 1.6% | 5,180 | |
| Independent | Lyle Milstein | 1.2% | 3,897 | |
| Total Votes | 323,120 | |||
| Source: Florida Division of Elections | ||||
Primary election
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Joe Kaufman |
73.1% | 13,412 | ||
| Martin Feigenbaum | 26.9% | 4,948 | ||
| Total Votes | 18,360 | |||
| Source: Florida Division of Elections |
||||
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Debbie Wasserman Schultz Incumbent |
56.8% | 28,809 | ||
| Tim Canova | 43.2% | 21,907 | ||
| Total Votes | 50,716 | |||
| Source: Florida Division of Elections |
||||
Candidates
|
General election candidates: Debbie Wasserman Schultz   Joe Kaufman Donald Endriss Lyle Milstein |
|
Primary candidates:[9] |
|
Democratic Tim Canova[10] |
Republican Joe Kaufman[4] |
|
Third Party/Other Lyle Milstein (Independent)[4] |
|
Withdrew: Doug Hughes (D)[12][4] |
Bernie Sanders and Canova's primary campaign, 2016
In May 2016, then Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders announced his endorsement of Democratic Congressional candidate Tim Canova, a "previously little-known law professor." Although Canova lost the primary, Sanders, since May, had helped Canova's campaign along with others from Sanders' former presidential campaign.[13] Canova ran against Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the Democratic primary on August 30, 2016, in Florida's 23rd Congressional District. Canova lost to Wasserman Schultz in the primary by 14 percent.[14] This discusses Sanders' and his allies' involvement in the Canova's campaign.
Background
During the 2015 and early 2016 Democratic primary debates, Sanders had criticized Wasserman Schultz's chosen debate schedule and the DNC's joint fundraising committee for Sanders' primary challenger Hillary Clinton, which created tensions between Sanders and Wasserman Schultz.[15][16] Those tensions peaked on July 22, 2016, prior to the start of the Democratic National Convention. The website Wikileaks released just over 19,000 leaked DNC emails. The emails, which consisted of correspondence between former DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and other DNC officials, revealed, according to The Washington Post, that Wasserman Schultz and the DNC "tried to aid [Hillary] Clinton and hamper [Bernie] Sanders."[17] In response to the emails, Sanders called for Wasserman Schultz's resignation as chair of the DNC.[18] However, after her resignation and Sanders' informal withdrawal from the presidential race, the two had focused on the Democratic Congressional race in Florida's 23rd Congressional District, in which Sanders and his presidential campaign allies helped Tim Canova challenge Wasserman Schultz.
Who's involved
Bernie Sanders
In May 2016, when Bernie Sanders endorsed him, Canova raised $1 million within five months of having begun his campaign. According to Politico, Sanders played a large role in helping Canova raise the money by "soliciting money from his nationwide army of followers."[14][16] Sanders, since dropping out of the presidential race, continued to raise funds for Canova. Politico noted that Sanders' presidential campaign email list served as a potential source of small dollar contributions for Canova.[16]
Our Revolution
- See also: Our Revolution
In August 2016, Sanders established Our Revolution, a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization that helped with fundraising for Canova.[16] The group sent out an announcement stating that "This race is very important for Our Revolution because if we can win this tough fight in Florida, it will send a clear message about the power of our grassroots movement that will send shockwaves through the political media establishment."[16] The announcement went on to say that "The recent emails leaked from Democrat Party staff showed that under Debbie Wasserman Schultz, DNC staff were not exactly fair and even-minded during the presidential primary. What was revealed wasn’t much of a shock to us, because we knew all along that the establishment wasn’t on our side."[16] The group is an extension of Sanders' policy agenda, according to Politico.[16] As a 501(c)(4), Our Revolution is not obligated to release the names of its donors.[16]
Consulting firms
Devine Mulvey Longabaugh
- See also: Tad Devine
On July 29, 2016, it was reported that Tim Canova (D) had hired Devine Mulvey Longabaugh to help in his primary campaign against Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Devine Mulvey Longabaugh was the same media firm that helped make ads for Bernie Sanders' presidential campaign.[13] The consulting firm was co-founded by Sanders' political strategist and senior advisor Tad Devine.
After two weeks working on Canova's campaign, the firm withdrew its services. Politico noted that Devine Mulvey Longabaugh's withdrawal was part of a larger shift within Sanders' political sphere, citing resignations within the leadership of Sanders' new 501(c)(4), Our Revolution.[19]
Revolution Messaging
- See also: Revolution Messaging
The digital media firm that worked for Sanders, Revolution Messaging, had helped Canova's campaign. The firm had also helped Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who Sanders' also endorsed.[20] Revolution Messaging's head consultant Mike Nellis said "I think Bernie’s race proved that it was possible for a lot of people to come together and do something special. No one expected Bernie to do what he did. I think that race showed a lot of people that it was possible. What we’re seeing is that people are coming together and saying, 'OK, who’s the next Bernie Sanders?'" Nellis also noted that Canova's average contribution amount was $20 and, similar to the Sanders' campaign, contributions under $200 were crucial and raised $1.7 million for Canova's campaign. However, overall Debbie Wasserman Schultz raised more than Canova, $3.07 million to Canova's $2.26 million.[20]
Endorsements
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
- President Barack Obama - "Debbie has been a strong, progressive leader in Congress and a hardworking, committed Chair of our national Party since I proudly nominated her to the role in 2011. she always stands up and fights for what is right for her district while passionately supporting middle class families."[21]
Tim Canova
- National Nurses United - "On issue after issue, Tim Canova lines up with the concerns of nurses and our patients while Debbie Wasserman Schultz has turned her back on these concerns. Tim and the NNU also are vocal supporters of Bernie Sanders for President because he also shares these same values. For all these reasons we are enthusiastically backing Tim Canova for Congress."[22]
- Sen. Bernie Sanders[23]
Media
Tim Canova
|
|
|
|
|
Debbie Wasserman Schultz
Support
|
Opposing
|
|
|
District history
2014
The 23rd Congressional District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 4, 2014. Incumbent Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D) defeated Joe Kaufman (R) in the general election.
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Debbie Wasserman Schultz Incumbent |
62.7% | 103,269 | |
| Republican | Joe Kaufman | 37.3% | 61,519 | |
| Total Votes | 164,788 | |||
| Source: Florida Division of Elections | ||||
2012
The 23rd District of Florida held an election for the U.S. House of Representatives on November 6, 2012. Incumbent from the 20th District, Debbie Wasserman Schultz won the election in the district.[24]
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | Debbie Wasserman Schultz Incumbent |
63.2% | 174,205 | |
| Republican | Karen Harrington | 35.6% | 98,096 | |
| Independent | Ilya Katz | 1.1% | 3,129 | |
| Total Votes | 275,430 | |||
| Source: Florida Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election" | ||||
Important dates and deadlines
- See also: Florida elections, 2016
The calendar below lists important dates for political candidates in Florida in 2016.
| Dates and requirements for candidates in 2016 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadline | Event type | Event description | |
| January 11, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| February 10, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| March 10, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| March 15, 2016 | Election date | Presidential primary election | |
| April 4, 2016 | Ballot access | Deadline for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates qualifying by petition to submit completed petitions to supervisors of elections | |
| April 11, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| May 2, 2016 | Ballot access | Qualifying period for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates begins | |
| May 6, 2016 | Ballot access | Qualifying period for judicial, state attorney and public defender candidates ends | |
| May 10, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| May 23, 2016 | Ballot access | Deadline for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates qualifying by petition to submit completed petitions to supervisors of elections | |
| June 10, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| June 20, 2016 | Ballot access | Qualifying period for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates begins | |
| June 24, 2016 | Ballot access | Qualifying period for federal, state representative, state senate, county office and special district candidates ends | |
| July 1, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| July 15, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| July 29, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| August 4, 2016 | Campaign finance | Termination report due, if applicable | |
| August 5, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| August 12, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| August 19, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| August 26, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| August 30, 2016 | Election date | Primary election | |
| September 9, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| September 22, 2016 | Campaign finance | Termination report due, if applicable | |
| September 23, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| October 7, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| October 14, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| October 21, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| October 28, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| November 4, 2016 | Campaign finance | Campaign finance report due | |
| November 8, 2016 | Election date | General election | |
| November 28, 2016 | Campaign finance | Termination report due, if applicable | |
| February 6, 2017 | Campaign finance | Termination report due, if applicable | |
| Sources: Florida Division of Elections, "2015-2017 Election Dates Calendar," June 4, 2015 Florida Division of Elections, "Calendar of Reporting Dates for 2016 Candidates Registered with the Division of Elections," accessed January 11, 2016 | |||
See also
- United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, 2016
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2016
Footnotes
- ↑ Cook Political Report, "2016 House Race Ratings for July 11, 2016," accessed July 19, 2016
- ↑ Sabato's Crystal Ball, "2016 House," accessed July 18, 2016
- ↑ Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report, "House Ratings," accessed July 19, 2016
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Florida Department of State, "Candidate Listing for 2016 General Election," accessed June 25, 2016
- ↑ Politico, " Florida House Races Results," August 30, 2016
- ↑ National Conference of State Legislatures, "State Primary Election Types," accessed July 23, 2024
- ↑ Florida Division of Elections, "Closed Primary Election," accessed July 23, 2024
- ↑ United States Census Bureau, "Counties by Congressional Districts," accessed June 8, 2016
- ↑ Candidates are listed by party and alphabetically within each party.
- ↑ Tim Canova for Congress, "Home," accessed January 8, 2016
- ↑ Email submission to Ballotpedia, May 7, 2016
- ↑ Doug Hughes for Congress, "Home," accessed January 11, 2016
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Politico, "Sanders media consultants to work for Wasserman Schultz challenger," July 29, 2016
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 Politico, "Wasserman Schultz poised to beat Sanders-backed challenger," August 11, 2016
- ↑ The Hill, "Sanders tests Wasserman Schultz," May 28, 2016
- ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 16.6 16.7 Politico, "Sanders political machine raising for Wasserman Schultz opponent," August 9, 2016
- ↑ The Washington Post, "Emails show Debbie Wasserman Schultz pressured ‘Morning Joe’ — to no avail," July 25, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "Sanders pleased by Wasserman Schultz resignation," July 24, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "Bernie Sanders' new group is already in turmoil," August 23, 2016
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 The Wall Street Journal, "Allies of Bernie Sanders Embrace Same Ad Technology," August 9, 2016
- ↑ The Hill, "Obama endorses Wasserman Schultz in primary," March 28, 2016
- ↑ The Hill, "Nurses super-PAC endorses primary challenger to Wasserman Schultz," March 10, 2016
- ↑ CNN, "Sanders says he's backing DNC chair's primary opponent, wouldn't reappoint her to DNC," May 22, 2016
- ↑ Politico, "2012 Election Map, Florida," November 6, 2012
For information about public policy issues in the 2016 elections, see: Public policy in the 2016 elections!
