Debbie Wasserman Schultz Wins a 12th Term in Congress in Florida

Debbie Wasserman Schultz won a 12th term in the U.S. House of Representatives in Florida in the November 3 election. The Jewish Democratic congresswoman, a former chair of the Democratic National Committee, was among the early winners reported as Americans voted for Congress. Wasserman Schultz's congressional biography identifies her as Florida's first Jewish congresswoman. She entered the House in 2005, having previously served in both the Florida House and Senate. Her Jewish-community work and her published support for Israel form part of her record alongside her legislative career. In her office's longstanding Israel policy statement, Wasserman Schultz says: “I am a staunch supporter of the State of Israel.” The statement backs Israelis' right to live securely and Israel's right to defend itself. It also supports negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders toward a two-state settlement, and describes antisemitism in the United States and abroad as a serious concern. These are her published positions, rather than a new election-night declaration. Her office also describes her work with Republican senator Arlen Specter to establish May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Both chambers of Congress unanimously passed the resolution, which President George W. Bush signed. The initiative sought recognition of Jewish contributions to American life and a reduction in antisemitism and bigotry.