Our campaign story
2018: A Campaign That Changed the Conversation
In 2018, Sheila made history as the first Haitian-American
woman to run for Congress in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She launched The People’s Campaign with a simple belief: government should work for working families, not special interests.
Although she entered the race against a 26-year incumbent with limited resources, Sheila earned nearly 30% of the vote after just three months of campaigning and spending approximately $30,000. While she did not win that election, she proved that the people of District 20 were ready for a new generation of leadership.
It wasn’t the end of a campaign. It was the beginning of a movement.
.
2019: The Fight Continued
Rather than walk away, Sheila doubled down on her commitment to the community.
She continued advocating for affordable healthcare, workers’ rights, criminal justice reform, comprehensive immigration reform, and economic opportunity. Through town halls, community events, and grassroots organizing, she built relationships across District 20, earning the trust of residents one conversation at a time.
Sheila understood that lasting change requires persistence.
2021: Making History
Following the passing of Congressman Alcee L. Hastings, Sheila entered the special election to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
Competing against a crowded field of candidates, she built a campaign centered on listening to the community, addressing immediate needs in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, and creating a path toward economic recovery.
After a closely contested race and recount, Sheila prevailed.
In January 2022, she was sworn in as the first Black woman to represent Florida’s 20th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives.
It was a historic victory—but for Sheila, it was never about making history. It was about making a difference.
Delivering for District 20
From her first days in Congress, Sheila focused on results.
She launched a mobile constituent services unit to bring government directly into neighborhoods across Broward and Palm Beach Counties, making federal services more accessible to seniors, veterans, families, and small businesses.
She worked across the aisle to pass legislation, advocate for South Florida’s priorities, and secure hundreds of millions of dollars in federal investments for affordable housing, transportation, healthcare, public safety, ports, economic development, and community revitalization.
She fought to protect Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, voting rights, and opportunities for working families while ensuring District 20 had a strong voice in Washington.
For Sheila, public service has always meant delivering tangible results, not simply casting votes.
Delivering for District 20
Today, District 20 faces a new set of challenges.
Families are struggling with the rising cost of housing. Seniors are worried about protecting Medicare and Social Security. Healthcare remains too expensive. Small businesses continue to face economic uncertainty. Immigrant communities, including thousands of Haitian-American families, are navigating unprecedented challenges that demand experienced, compassionate leadership.
Sheila believes these challenges require proven leadership, not empty promises.
Throughout her career, she has faced adversity with resilience and remained committed to the people she serves. She understands that leadership is measured not by the obstacles you face, but by your willingness to keep showing up, keep fighting, and keep delivering.
The mission that inspired The People’s Campaign in 2018 remains the same today: to ensure every family has access to affordable healthcare, safe and affordable housing, economic opportunity, quality education, and a government that works for them.
The work isn’t finished. And neither is Sheila.
Together, we can continue building a stronger, safer, healthier, and more prosperous Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
Let’s finish it, together.
