Debbie Wasserman Schultz endorses Todd Delmay to flip HD 101 following Hillary Cassel party swap

U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is backing Democrat Todd Delmay in the race for House District 101, casting the contest as a chance for Broward Democrats to reclaim a seat she says was won under false pretenses.

In announcing her endorsement, Wasserman Schultz sharply criticized incumbent state Rep. Hillary Cassel for switching to the Republican Party after winning re-election as a Democrat, calling the move a betrayal of voters.

“Voters in this district elected a Democrat to fight for their values, only to see Hillary Cassel turn her back on them and embrace Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican agenda,” Wasserman Schultz said.

“That kind of betrayal erodes trust in our democracy. Todd Delmay is a principled leader who reflects our community’s values. I know that he will fight to lower costs for families, protect reproductive freedom, defend public education and fight for his constituents like the voters of this district expected when they elected a Democrat. I’m proud to endorse him because this community deserves better and will get the best from Todd Delmay.”

Delmay said the endorsement underscores a central message of his campaign: restoring trust in the office.

“I’m honored to have Congresswoman Wasserman Schultz’s endorsement,” Delmay said.

“This campaign is about restoring trust with the voters of District 101. When you run as a Democrat, you should follow through on your campaign promises, not abandon your principles at the first opportunity as Representative Cassel did. I will always be honest about my values and fight every day for the families who call this district home.”

Trump narrowly carried HD 101 in the last election, but Democrats hold a registration edge. According to campaign figures, Democrats account for 36.57% of registered voters, compared to 26.97% for Republicans, with 36.46% registered as no-party or minor-party voters.

With political observers expecting a favorable environment for Democrats in 2026, Delmay’s campaign argues the seat is primed to flip blue.

Wasserman Schultz’s endorsement adds to a growing list of elected officials and local leaders backing Delmay, including state Sens. Shevrin Jones and Carlos Guillermo Smith, state Reps. Dan Daley, Michele Rayner and Mitch Rosenwald, Broward County Commissioners, Beam Furr, Steve Geller and Nan Rich, Broward Property Appraiser Marty Kiar, Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, and several other local officials across South Florida.

So far, Cassel and Delmay are the only candidates who have filed in the contest.

HD 101 spans parts of Broward County, including Hollywood, Dania Beach and Hallandale Beach.