Elijah Manley

Elijah Manley was born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He attended Broward College. His career experience includes working in financial services, healthcare, and food service.[1]

Manley has been associated with the following organizations:[1]

Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association

Broward Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida

Broward Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida

Broward Democratic Black Caucus of Florida

Broward School Board Human Relations Committee

Broward School Board Facilities Task Force

Broward Democratic LGBTQ+ Caucus of Florida/Dolphin Democrats

National Youth Rights Association

Youth Assembly at the United Nations

Black Lives Matter Alliance of Broward

Sierra Club

Video for [the profile publisher]

Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased February 11, 2025

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk community. Raised by a hardworking single mother and growing up in deep poverty, I experienced chronic homelessness, food insecurity, and the harsh realities of living paycheck to paycheck. I understand what it’s like to go to school hungry, to live without electricity, and to wonder where my family would sleep at night.

Despite these hardships, I refused to let my circumstances define me. As a teenager, I started my own small landscaping business, knocking on doors to earn money to help my mother with bills, buy school supplies, and afford bus passes to get to the library—my refuge for learning and growth. At 9 years old, I was inspired by Barack Obama’s historic election, igniting my passion for public service. I began writing to elected officials, speaking at school board and city council meetings, and advocating for issues affecting my community. At Fort Lauderdale High, I enrolled in the criminal justice and law magnet program, joined the Navy JROTC, and dedicated myself to community service, earning recognition for hundreds of volunteer hours.

The devastating Parkland shooting pushed me to action, leading me to run for the Broward County School Board at 19 years old. In that countywide race, I earned 43,009 votes and became a recognized voice in the March for Our Lives movement. I went to college, earning my Bachelor's degree in 2025 in History from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Healthcare Crisis — In Florida's 20th Congressional District, around 17.1% of residents are uninsured, primarily due to the absence of Medicaid expansion. Expanding Medicaid is vital to provide health insurance for many low-income individuals. Medicare for All would enhance access to essential care, eliminate insurance barriers, and improve health outcomes, fostering a more equitable system for all.Housing Affordability — Florida's housing crisis presents affordability challenges, particularly in low income communities. As a board member of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association, I work with city leaders and developers to encourage smart growth while maintaining community quality of life. In Congress I plan to secure funding for sustainable, inclusive housing solutions that support residents & businesses.Thriving Economy — In a region with 13% poverty, economic reform is crucial due to significant wealth inequality, where the three richest individuals have more wealth than the bottom 50%. This issue is evident in District 20, where low wages and limited opportunities prevail. A Jobs for All Guarantee is proposed as a key solution to provide stable jobs with fair wages and benefits for all residents.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am extremely passionate about environmental justice, and this includes climate change and the environment broadly. I am extremely passionate about Housing policy, because of my personal experience of struggling with homelessness as a child. I also have an affinity for space, arts, and anything digital.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

There are so many people I look up to. Political figures, teachers, historical figures, etc. The person I look up to the most is James Baldwin. His poetry was powerful, he's an LGBT icon, and his politics closely resembles mine.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"How the rural poor got power", by Paul Wellstone (1978).

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics or principles for an elected official in my opinion should be honesty, transparency, authenticity, and compassion. Honesty & transparency, because too many politicians are shady. Authenticity, because too many politicians are fake, wearing masks over their true lives. Our stories are our truths. Compassion is the most important to me. A compassionate elected official will be understanding, and feel the pain of every constituent they serve. Too many elected officials are removed from their communities, and forget what it feels like to be "at the bottom."

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am independent thinker. While I am passionate about the issues I hold close, and I am progressive, I am my own guy. Right is right and wrong is wrong. I will do what's right and come to the bet conclusion in line with what I believe.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Being a member of Congress is more than passing legislation and funding the government. It's more than committee assignments and oversight. The main responsibility of a Member of Congress is being the voice of their constituents. To me, the only way to do that is to be visible and engaging. Your constituents need to see you. Another major responsibility is providing constituent services. When a constituent is faced with immigration issues, or having trouble assessing veterans benefits, healthcare, housing or other issues, a Congressional office must be the place to go to solve those problems.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of love and compassion. I also want history to look back at me and see that I did the right thing when it really mattered.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event that happened in my lifetime, that I can consciously remember, was election night 2008. I was nine years old, and Barack Obama had just been elected 44th President of the United States. I remember going to bed, and waking up to loud noise in my house. My mom was screaming and fireworks were going off outside. I got out of bed and went in to the hallway to look at the television. I saw then President-elect Barack Obama addressing his supporters on live TV. I listened to his entire victory speech. It was late, and everybody in the entire neighborhood were partying, cooking, and banging pots and pans together. You know what I remember most? More than any other detail that night? I remember how I felt. It was the most intense feeling of happiness and pride I had ever felt before. Before that night, I didn't believe I was equal or enough. The next day, I went to school with my head up, and proud. I wanted to be President someday too.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was at 12 years old. It was landscaping. After school, I would go door to door and ask my neighbors if I could wash their cars, and cut their grass. Eventually, they became clients. I would have 15 or 20 clients per week. This money allowed me to pay for school field trips, hygiene products, transportation, food, and help my mother pay the bills. My first job in adulthood was working in the life & health insurance industry. I worked in life insurance for a bit, and when that didn't work out, I went to work for a healthcare firm. I subsequently worked in the food service industry.

What is your favorite book? Why?

To Kill a Mockingbird. I hated it in high school because I had to read it, but I actually appreciate it more at this point.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Michael Lasaki from Supacell

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Pink Pony Club by Chappell Roan

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

A few things. First, poverty. I grew up really poor, and worked as hard as I could to try to change that. It wasn't always easy. We were homeless sometimes. We showered at the beach before dawn, and went to school everyday like nothing had happened. I went hungry some days. I had substance abuse problems. I struggled with PTSD due to sexual assault. I struggled with facing homophobia from friends and loved ones growing up. I've also did things I wasn't proud of, myself. I'm a human who has made mistakes, and it just makes me more human. Politicians try to pretend like they're perfect and have everything figured out. No one does. I admit that I am not perfect, and if elected I too will make mistakes. However, I will never lie about it.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House has the power of the purse, and the power of impeachment. As the people's house, those are extraordinary and unique powers entrusted into the hands of the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

In certain cases, but that can also be a bad thing. You should never go into politics with the intent of making it a career. The intent should be helping and serving people, and then getting out of the way when you're no longer effective. We are currently lacking that in politics today. The incumbents are not mentoring the next generation of leaders. Instead, they are selfishly holding on to seats for thirty plus years. We should always elect the best person for office, regardless of previous experience. It's hard to change things if the same individuals keep getting re-elected.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade will be defeating fascism and oligarchy, and addressing the climate crisis, which is one of our gravest national security threats.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes. Two-year terms keep Representatives accountable to their constituents.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

While I generally support term limits on various levels of government, I believe that elections are term limits. I do not support limiting the amount of terms a member of Congress can serve. The people, through their votes, have the authority to limit their elected Representatives' service in office.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

Rep. AOC is an incredible messenger, I would look to her and her model as inspiration in Congress.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A few years back, a young man in my district shared with me that they were recovering from a meth (and opioid) addiction. I was touched by the horror stories of his substance abuse, and the lack of services he was able to acquire. It certainly left a mark on me, and has led me to view healthcare policy in a different lens.

Tell us your favorite joke.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is always a good thing, when it is possible to do so. When you're losing, it is preferable to take whatever wins you can get, and live to fight another day. But, there are certain values that can't be compromised. Our constituents send us to Washington to fight for them, not to throw the towel in.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

We need to hold the executive branch accountable for its overreach and illegal activity under this crooked Trump Administration. We must subpoena officials, records, and document to ensure that the American people know what the crook in the Trump administration are doing. I want Elon Musk and DOGE subpoenaed.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

It's early and I will update this as the campaign goes on. So far:

Path to Progress

What committees interest you?

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform; The Committee on Foreign Affairs; The Committee on Intelligence; The Committee on Energy and Commerce; The Committee on the Judiciary.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability is important. We don't have that now. With Elon Musk and Donald Trump assessing our personal information and ignoring Congress, emboldened by the far-right GOP, there is no accountability either. Here at home, our Congresswoman is alleged to have taken $6m in overpayments from the state and used that money to run for Congress. She is being investigated by the House ethics committee, and sued by the state. Instead of being forthcoming, she run away from reporters and has not cooperated with authorities. Our district deserves transparency about what happened to nearly $6m in taxpayer funds.

Campaign websiteManley's campaign website stated the following:The EconomyIn Congress, Elijah Manley will aim to build an economy that works for everyone in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. From good union jobs to higher wages, District 20 yearns for an economy where workers have rights, working families can thrive, and the wealthy pay their fair share.Jobs for AllIn Congress, Elijah Manley will introduce and fight for a Federal Jobs Guarantee, because everyone who wants to work should be able to do so. Under Elijah's plan, we will:Make the federal government the employer of last resort, through a National Employment Guarantee Program, where anyone can apply for a publicly funded job with fair wages and benefits. Jobs will be locally administered, but federally funded.Create a Community Works Program modeled after the New Deal Era Works Progress Administration, creating jobs in District 20. These jobs will handle climate resilience, national, state, and local parks improvement, replacing aging underground infrastructure such as pipes and sewage systems, universal public childcare programs in every school district, home healthcare, and local art programs.Through federal investment, hire tens of thousands more teachers and support staff for our public schools.Protect Social SecurityIn Congress, Elijah Manley will oppose all radical right-wing attempts to dismantle, cut, or defund Social Security. Elijah wants to expand social security benefits, especially for seniors. You’ve worked hard your entire life, you deserve to retire with much more.$20 Minimum WageElijah Manley supports raising the federal minimum wage to $15 bucks an hour immediately, and raising the Florida minimum wage to $20 bucks an hour by 2032 because South Florida families can’t afford to live on the starvation wages that exist. Elijah also supports tying future minimum wage increases to the cost of living.A Fair Tax SystemWorking people shouldn't be paying more in taxes than billionaires. That just doesn’t make sense. Under Elijah's tax plan, we'll cancel taxes for working families making under $50,000 a year. To make it up, we'll make the ultra-wealthy and big corporations pay what they owe.Built Fair, Built HereElijah Manley supports investing in American manufacturing — our vehicles, our green energy power grid, and infrastructure—right here at home, with union labor and stronger worker protections.Work With DignityIn Congress, Elijah Manley will always side with workers. He'll support the right to organize, expand collective bargaining rights, and support an end to gig worker exploitation.Take on Corporate ThieveryThe American economy has been looted by corporate crooks and thieves through fraud, tax evasion, and price-gouging, and the American consumer has paid the price. In Congress, Elijah will fight back by empowering the SEC and advocating for stronger prosecutors.HealthcareThe American healthcare system just doesn't work for regular people. Elijah believes that healthcare is a human right, and in Congress, he will fight for that. Here's how.Medicare for AllIn the wealthiest country in the world, no one should go bankrupt or die because they can’t afford healthcare. Insurance companies and middlemen shouldn’t get to decide who lives or dies. That’s why in Congress, Elijah will cosponsor Medicare for All.Cancel Medical DebtYou shouldn’t go bankrupt for going to the doctor. In Congress, Elijah Manley will lead the charge on cancelling all medical debt. Additionally, hospitals charge you one price, and insurance companies charge you another. Your hospital bills are often a moving target, which isn’t fair. Elijah Manley supports removing medical debt from credit reports and will work with stakeholders to codify this into law.Cap Prescription Drug CostsElijah Manley supports limiting out-of-pocket prescription drug expenses for families to $2,000 a year. Elijah also supports imposing a federal cap on what big Pharma can charge for life-saving prescription drug costs, including insulin, blood thinners, and Alzheimer’s medicine.Expand MedicaidIn Florida's 20th Congressional District, 17.1% of residents are uninsured, mostly because Florida has continuously refused to expand Medicaid. In District 20, 150,000 people are on Medicaid. Expanding Medicaid is vital to provide healthcare for low-income individuals. We don’t have universal healthcare, but until we get there, we need Governors to accept federal medicaid dollars. When they don’t, Elijah will support workaround legislation that forces them to.Importation of Cheaper Prescription DrugsIf we can't break big Pharma's grip domestically, Elijah will support bipartisan federal legislation to allow for the safe importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from countries like Canada. You shouldn't pay 10x more for the same drug.More Hospitals, More ClinicsDistrict 20 needs more hospitals and more clinics, especially in our low-income and minority communities. Elijah renews his long-held call for federal and state investment in community health clinics, aiming for one healthcare facility in every zip code.Home Healthcare for SeniorsOur seniors have spent their lives working hard for us, it's time for us to do the same for them. They deserve to live with dignity, not be neglected. Elijah will work to expand home care services and to raise wages and benefits for care workers. Manley will also support a major federal investment in home healthcare, allowing more people to get the education and training they need to get jobs in this field.Reproductive HealthcareElijah Manley supports a woman’s right to make choices regarding her body and her reproductive care. In Congress, he will oppose a national abortion ban, vehemently oppose any attempt to limit reproductive rights, and work to Codify Roe. Elijah will also support legislation to combat black women’s maternal health crisis.Black Men’s HealthIn Congress, Elijah Manley will work to establish a National Black Men’s Health Initiative and a White House Office of Black Men's Health. The initiative will support a dedicated federal program to research and eliminate racial disparities in healthcare outcomes for black men, with a focus on chronic health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and mental health.We need expanded mental health access, funding for culturally competent community-based clinics, more black males in mental health professions through scholarships, training, and more educational opportunities, and an end to the stigmatization of mental health through public education and PR campaigns.Furthermore, in Congress, Elijah Manley will support efforts to require cultural-competency training in the healthcare and medicine industries to root out racial biases. Through Elijah’s legislation, a federal entity will be created allowing patients to report incidents of medical racism and bias and empowering that federal agency to act.The issue of black men’s health isn’t just a healthcare issue, it’s an economic one as well. Additional economic opportunities, jobs, funding for entrepreneurship, innovation, and black men’s small business ideas will foster healthy minds and healthy bodies, too. The Democratic Party has continued to take black men’s health issues for granted. Black families deserve better.HousingFlorida's housing crisis presents affordability challenges, especially in low-income communities. As a board member of the Downtown Fort Lauderdale Civic Association, Elijah has worked with municipal leaders and developers to encourage smart growth while maintaining community quality of life. In Congress, Elijah plans to secure funding for sustainable, inclusive housing solutions because housing is a human right.Rents that make senseLandlords are raising rents without any accountability. Elijah Manley will work with federal, state, and local stakeholders to reevaluate and establish the reasonable annual cap on rent increases so that working people aren’t being squeezed.Invest in Public HousingOur country has not made major investments in public housing since Reagan took office. Under Elijah’s plan:We will increase investment for rebuilding and maintenance of existing public housing.Invest $20 billion in public housing projects to support municipal and state affordable housing efforts.Prioritize workforce housing for public sector and private frontline workers.A Home to call yoursNo one should be forced to live on the street because of their circumstances. Everyone deserves dignity and a chance to reach their American dream. In Congress, Elijah will:Advocate for additional financial incentives for first-time homebuyers, including $20k in down-payment assistance; forgivable HUD loans for veterans, public sector employees, first responders, young first-time homebuyers, and disadvantaged communities.$1b to fund District 20’s public, private, and charitable partners in their efforts to assist homeless individuals through housing-first initiatives with wrap-around case management.Guarantee a public defender for eviction cases, because no one should be forced to navigate the judicial system on their own.PROPERTY INSURANCE CRISISProperty Insurance is out of control in Florida because our politicians are beholden to the property insurance companies. We need more regulation on property insurance companies, and prosecution of insurance executives for stealing from consumers.EducationOur education system is broken, underfunded, and inadequate. Here’s how we rebuild it.Fund Public SchoolsOur public schools need more money, and in Congress, Elijah Manley will fight for further investments.More funding to hire additional teachers.Elijah opposes the diversion of public dollars to private entities.Elijah supports holding public school districts accountable for how they spend your tax dollars and addressing administrative bloat.Invest in TeachersOur teachers are paid starvation salaries. Elijah Manley supports increasing the starting salary for teachers and support staff, including paraprofessionals, and increasing pay and benefits for substitute teachers.Universal Pre-K and ChildcareEvery child deserves a strong start, and every parent should work without worry. In Congress, Elijah will work to pass Universal Pre-K and Childcare. He will seek federal funding for District 20's stakeholders, so they have the resources to provide these services to every family regardless of zip code and incomeTuition-Free Public CollegeYou have a right to get a higher education, that’s why Elijah supports tuition-free public college. In Congress, he will fight to pass free college and will fight to protect existing programs such as the Federal Pell Grant, which allows working-class kids to go to college.Cancel Student DebtToo many District 20 families have gone into debt for the crime of having gone to college. Going to college shouldn’t lead to bankruptcy. That’s why Elijah Manley supports the cancellation of all student loan debt.Apprenticeship Programs & Workforce TrainingCollege isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. We must support apprenticeship and workforce training programs that provide the skills and preparation students need to enter the workforce. Elijah Manley will advocate for funding that makes this happen at the local and state levels.Criminal JusticeInvest in Public Defenders“You have a right to an attorney, and if you can’t afford one, one will be appointed to you by the court of law.” That’s your right. However, public defender are overworked, underpaid, and their office are underfunded. While local and state governments have jurisdiction, the federal government can play a role in changing this. We need toAttract more public defenders through higher salaries and benefitsAllow public defenders to represent individuals in civil cases, such as eviction casesProvide more funding and federal grants for public defender's officesMore Funding for CourtsOur courts have full dockets. We don’t have enough judges, and their caseloads are full. On the federal level, we need more federal magistrates. More federal funding for the U.S. District Courts can achieve this.Decriminalize MarijuanaElijah Manley supports the decriminalization of Marijuana. Drug use is a public health crisis, not a criminal justice issue. All non-violent drug offenders should be pardoned and released from jails.Bail ReformToo many people are sitting in our jails simply because they can’t pay their way out. It’s costing taxpayers a killing. Non-violent offenders and those who don’t pose a threat to the public should not be sitting in jail. For violent offenders who pose a threat to the public, their bail should be denied.The EnvironmentThe Climate Crisis is REAL, and in South Florida, we are ground zero for sea-level rise. While most politicians shy away from this topic, Elijah Manley will champion climate action because our quality of life and way of living are at risk. The cost of doing nothing is far greater than taking bold climate action now. Scientists have been ringing the alarm bell for years, warning us to get our act together, but politicians in both parties have failed to see the urgency of this issue.The damning IPCC report from August 2021 was described as a “code red for humanity.” In 2022, they released another frightening report telling us that we are almost too late to act. If we don’t get our act together, we will see catastrophic sea-level rise, extreme heat, extreme drought, more weather disturbances, more intense and destructive hurricanes, and a lack of clean water, which will cause more global conflict and threaten our national security in the process. Elijah Manley supports:A Ban on FrackingWe must ban hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a fracking) and all forms of offshore oil drilling.A 100% carbon-free economyWe can invest in clean energy production and a clean energy power grid. In the process, we can create many good-paying jobs that will trickle into District 20. We need a 100% carbon-free economy as soon as possible. Elijah supports the innovation of the Nuclear energy and Solar industries.Clean Air, Clean WaterSaltwater intrusion as a result of sea level rise threatens our safe, clean drinking water supply. The Biscayne Aquifer is the clean drinking water supply for more than 6 million people in South Florida. Furthermore, wildfires in the Everglades and across Florida threaten our air quality. In Congress, Elijah will:Seek funding to harden our infrastructure against hurricanes, flooding, and other natural disastersAdvocate for funding for Everglades restorationAdvocate for funding for stormwater and canal managementWork with federal agencies and stakeholders strengthen environmental regulationsIncrease funding for federal agencies focused on water management and environmental protectionHeat & Climate ResilienceIn Congress, Elijah Manley will urge the federal government to establish and invest in a National Climate Health Corps to prepare hospitals, clinics, schools, and other essential entities for extreme heat, wildfires, hurricanes, and other climate events. Furthermore, Elijah will advocate for a requirement that all infrastructure projects have climate resilience planning measures included in them.Protect our EvergladesThe vast majority of District 20 is the Florida Everglades. Elijah Manley seeks a ban on oil drilling in the Everglades and will work with tribal leaders and stakeholders to advocate for a ban on drilling in the Big Cypress National Preserve. Here are Elijah’s promises:Work with stakeholders to lessen phosphorus and nitrogen runoff from industrial agricultureNegotiate expanded buffer zones between sugarcane fields and wetlands.To secure full funding from the state and federal levels for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).Support the restoration of wetlands