Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick

In the 2024 House race for FL-20, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) ran unopposed and received 0 votes. Running without a challenger is rare and usually indicates either a safe party stronghold or that the opposition could not field a candidate.

As the incumbent, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick benefited from name recognition, established constituent services, and the roughly 2-3 point advantage that sitting members typically enjoy. The 2024 presidential election drove higher voter turnout, which can help or hurt down-ballot candidates depending on the top of the ticket.

In the 2022 House race for FL-20, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D) defeated Drew Montez Clark (R) 72.3% to 27.7%. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick received 136,215 votes compared to 52,151 for Drew Montez Clark, a dominant 44.6-point margin reflecting a safely partisan district.

This was an open-seat race with no incumbent running — Alcee Hastings (D) previously held the seat. Open seats typically attract stronger candidates and heavier spending from both parties. As a Democrat, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick won despite the historical midterm penalty against the president's party (Democrat Biden was in office). The wide margin suggests this district is firmly in the Democrat column for the foreseeable future.