“From Asbury Park to Wilton Manors, With Love”: Draws Phone Bank Volunteers to Protect Voting Rights and Support Elijah Manley for Florida’s 20th Congressional District

ASBURY PARK, N.J. — Today, community leaders and grassroots volunteers gathered at MacroBites in Asbury Park for a phone bank supporting Elijah Manley, an openly LGBTQ+ candidate for Florida’s 20th Congressional District. The event built cross-state solidarity aimed at protecting one of the nation’s historically Black congressional districts.

Under the banner "From Asbury Park to Wilton Manors With Love," the event highlighted the powerful bridge between two prominent LGBTQ+ communities united in a shared mission: safeguarding democratic representation, protecting historically Black congressional districts, and mobilizing voters following rollbacks to the Voting Rights Act.

Organizers and key leaders highlighted the critical importance of solidarity across state lines:

"As a former elected official, I know how important it is to have representation that truly reflects the diversity of the constituents you represent. And with the Supreme Court rolling back the Voting Rights Act, it’s more important than ever to make sure that our federal representatives reflect that diversity. That’s one of the reasons I’m supporting Elijah Manley in the newly constituted 20th CD in Florida. Elijah is a bright young voice for the African American community and the LGBTQ+ community, and he will be a great congressman for all of the residents of Florida 20, including Wilton Manors."

— Bob Zuckerman, AP Democratic Committee

"Grassroots power doesn’t stop at state lines. Whether in New Jersey or South Florida, working families are fighting for the same core rights: affordable housing, living wages, and a government that works for regular people, not corporate donors. I am deeply grateful to the volunteers in Asbury Park who are taking the time to pick up the phone and join this movement. Change happens when everyday people decide to organize, and together, we are building a campaign powered by the people, for the people."

— Elijah Manley, Candidate for Florida's 20th Congressional District

"When the Voting Rights Act is weakened and minority-majority districts face erasure, the rights of all marginalized communities are threatened. By uniting Asbury Park and Wilton Manors, we are sending a clear message: protecting Black representation in Congress is vital to ensuring every voice is heard, and LGBTQ+ organizers will stand up to safeguard our democracy wherever it is under attack."

— Christian Fuscarino, LGBTQ+ Community Organizer

About the Campaign

Elijah Manley is running for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to advocate for working families, protect civil rights, defend voting access, and deliver grassroots representation for all residents across South Florida.