Luther Campbell — the rap executive, First Amendment activist, youth football coach, and civic commentator widely known as Uncle Luke — announced Sunday that he will run for Congress in 2026. Campbell is seeking the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 20th Congressional District.
Making the announcement during an appearance on WPLG-Ch. 10’s This Week in South Florida, Campbell told host Glenna Milberg that conversations with residents across Broward and Palm Beach counties solidified his decision. “I’m going to run for Congress in CD 20,” he said.
Campbell emphasized his belief that the district is underserved. “What I heard, and what I already know, is it is a very underserved community. Our district is very underserved. The district, the representation of the district, is not there. People want to be able to engage with their congressperson,” he said. “I looked at the race, and I said if the congresswoman was doing her job, then I wouldn’t get in the race. That’s not my thing.”
The seat is currently held by Haitian-American U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who was indicted in November on federal charges alleging the theft of $5 million in government COVID-19 relief funds through an overpayment to her family-owned health care company. Prosecutors claim that much of the money was used to finance her 2021 primary campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and entered a not guilty plea.
In a written statement, Cherfilus-McCormick responded to Campbell’s criticism, saying: “Anyone has the right to run for office. That’s how democracy works. But if there are questions about who is doing the job, just ask the constituents. They know who shows up and who fights for them no matter what, in Washington and at home. My record speaks for itself.”
Campbell, born Luther Roderick Campbell on December 22, 1960, also known as Luke Skyywalker, Uncle Luke, and Luke, is best known as the leader of the rap group 2 Live Crew and a pioneer of the Miami bass genre. He is also a promoter, record executive, actor, and outspoken advocate for free speech.
The Democratic primary in the 20th District is already crowded. Former Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness, civic activist Elijah Manley, and physician, attorney, and retired Air Force colonel Dr. Rudolph Moise have all declared their candidacies. Holness, a Jamaican-American politician and former Broward County mayor, previously challenged Cherfilus-McCormick in both the 2021 special primary and the 2022 regular election, losing the latter by a wide margin.
Two Republicans, Rod Joseph and Sendra Dorce, have also entered the race.
The contest could be further complicated by proposed mid-decade redistricting in Florida. Governor Ron DeSantis and other lawmakers have suggested altering the district boundaries before the 2026 primary and general elections, a move that could reshape the competitive landscape in the 20th District.
With a field that already includes multiple high-profile Democratic candidates, Campbell’s entry adds both celebrity influence and grassroots appeal to a race that is expected to draw national scrutiny in the months ahead.
