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Palm Beach Today
By the People, for the People
Rapper Uncle Luke Announces Run for Florida Congressional Seat
The 2 Live Crew frontman plans to challenge incumbent Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in the Democratic primary.
Published on Feb. 16, 2026
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Luther Campbell, the rapper known as Uncle Luke from the iconic hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, has announced he is running for Florida's 20th Congressional District seat in the upcoming August primary. Campbell, a longtime South Florida fixture, says he plans to leverage his connections with politicians on both sides of the aisle to better serve the "underserved" communities in the district, which covers parts of Palm Beach and Broward counties.
Why it matters
Campbell's entry into the race adds a high-profile challenger to the incumbent Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who is currently facing federal charges related to alleged FEMA fund theft and illegal campaign contributions. Campbell's background as a successful high school football coach and his history as a First Amendment activist could resonate with voters seeking a change in representation.
The details
Campbell announced his congressional bid on February 15 during an appearance on a local TV news program. He cited his ability to communicate with politicians across the aisle, including claiming to have Secretary of State Marco Rubio "on speed dial." Campbell recently stepped down as a high school football coach to focus on his political campaign, saying he needs to "be amongst these people and ask these people what the issues are in their community" before deciding to run. This is not Campbell's first foray into politics - he previously ran for Miami-Dade County mayor in 2011, finishing fourth with 11% of the vote.
- Campbell announced his congressional bid on February 15, 2026.
- Campbell's arraignment on Cherfilus-McCormick's federal charges is set for next month.
The players
Luther Campbell
Also known as rapper "Uncle Luke" from the iconic hip-hop group 2 Live Crew, Campbell is a longtime South Florida fixture who is now running for Florida's 20th Congressional District seat.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick
The incumbent Democratic Congresswoman for Florida's 20th District, who is currently facing federal charges related to alleged FEMA fund theft and illegal campaign contributions.
Marco Rubio
The current Secretary of State, whom Campbell claims to have "on speed dial" and the ability to communicate with across the aisle.
What they’re saying
“It is a very underserved community. The representation of the community is not there. People want to engage with their congressperson.”
— Luther Campbell (WPLG)
“Who's going to be able to talk to Marco Rubio? Who's going to be able to talk toDonald Trump? Me. I'm the only one who can do that.”
— Luther Campbell (WPLG)
What’s next
Cherfilus-McCormick's federal arraignment is set for next month, which could impact the dynamics of the Democratic primary race.
The takeaway
Campbell's entry into the congressional race brings a high-profile challenger to the incumbent Cherfilus-McCormick, who is facing serious legal troubles. Campbell's background as a successful high school coach and First Amendment activist could resonate with voters seeking change, though his political experience is limited.
