Election season in Florida simply bought a jolt of 808s and political ambition.
Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell — the rap pioneer, First Modification fighter, and youth soccer coach — says he’s formally operating for Congress in 2026. The announcement got here throughout an look on “This Week in South Florida,” the place Campbell confirmed he plans to hunt the Democratic nomination in Florida’s twentieth Congressional District.
“I’m going to run for Congress in CD 20,” Campbell mentioned, pointing to what he described as deep frustration from residents throughout Broward and Palm Seashore counties. “It’s a very underserved group. The illustration of the district just isn’t there. Individuals need to have the ability to have interaction with their congressperson.”
The seat is at the moment held by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who’s dealing with federal indictment associated to alleged misuse of COVID-19 aid funds. She has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not responsible. In a written assertion responding to Campbell’s problem, Cherfilus-McCormick mentioned her file speaks for itself and that constituents know who “exhibits up and fights for them.”
Campbell, 65, is not any stranger to controversy or the highlight. Because the frontman of two Dwell Crew, he grew to become a central determine in one in every of hip-hop’s most consequential free speech battles. In 1990, members of the group have been arrested on obscenity expenses after performing songs from their album “As Nasty As They Wanna Be.” The case finally grew to become a landmark second in First Modification legislation after increased courts overturned a ruling that had labeled the lyrics obscene.
For Campbell, that struggle reshaped his public identification. What began as a conflict over music advanced into years of civic engagement, youth mentorship, and political commentary. He later ran for mayor of Miami-Dade County in 2011, ending fourth, and has remained lively in native politics and group packages ever since.
Now, he’s taking goal at Washington.
Although a Democrat, Campbell says his worth lies in his potential to work throughout celebration strains. He argues he could be uniquely positioned to talk immediately with highly effective Republican figures, together with Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.
“On this race, who’s gonna be capable of go speak to Marco Rubio? Who’s gonna be capable of go speak to Donald Trump? Me,” Campbell mentioned, including that he believes his relationships and title recognition might translate into tangible wins for the district.
Campbell additionally made clear he expects to be financially aggressive. He pointed to many years within the music business and relationships with artists throughout Southern hip-hop as a possible fundraising base. “I’m going to have some huge cash,” he mentioned, predicting assist from artists he has produced or influenced.
Nonetheless, the highway to Congress received’t be easy.
Florida’s twentieth District is already crowded. A number of Democrats, together with former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and civic activist Elijah Manley, have entered the race. Doctor, legal professional, and retired Air Pressure colonel Dr. Rudy Moise additionally introduced his candidacy, including one other high-profile title to the first discipline. Two Republicans have declared as nicely.
Complicating issues additional, Florida Republicans are pushing for a uncommon mid-decade redistricting that might reshape the district’s boundaries earlier than voters head to the polls. Meaning candidates are campaigning in a district that won’t look the identical by 2026.
Regardless of the uncertainty, Campbell says conversations with residents have satisfied him the timing is correct. He factors to job losses within the Glades communities as a result of automation within the sugar business, issues about schooling funding, and anxiousness amongst Haitian constituents over the potential rollback of Momentary Protected Standing.
He insists his previous received’t be a legal responsibility. “The ten issues that I don’t need individuals to learn about, everyone already is aware of about,” he mentioned. “Individuals know my historical past. However then on the identical time, individuals know the issues that I’ve accomplished in the neighborhood.”
In January, Campbell stepped down as head soccer coach at Miami Edison Senior Excessive Faculty, saying he couldn’t juggle teaching and a congressional marketing campaign. The transfer signaled what many in South Florida already suspected: Uncle Luke wasn’t simply speaking politics. He was making ready for it.
Whether or not voters see him as a critical legislator or a star challenger stays to be seen. However in a district rocked by indictment, ethics investigations, and a widening major discipline, Campbell’s entrance ensures that Florida’s twentieth shall be some of the watched races of the 2026 midterms.
