Democratic stalwart Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a four-term incumbent and chair of the Democratic National Committee, is seeking reelection in newly renamed District 23, which covers much the same territory as her present one.

Challenger Republican Karen Harrington, whom Rep. Wasserman Schultz defeated handily in 2010 in the race for District 20 by a margin of roughly 60 percent to 40 percent, earned a rematch by defeating four opponents in the August primary.

The district is shaped like the number “seven” with a narrow leg along Miami Beach to Dania Beach and a broad east-west portion in Broward County taking in Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston and other communities.

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, 46, is an outspoken supporter of President Obama’s major programs, including healthcare reform, a balanced approach to deficit reduction and “meaningful” immigration reform that offers a path to legal status for some immigrants. She believes a national hurricane insurance program is the best way to help vulnerable homeowners in Florida’s coastal areas.

Ms. Harrington, 48, is a restaurant owner and conservative who wants to repeal “Obamacare” and does not support a national windstorm insurance program.

Our nod goes to Rep. Wasserman Schultz, based on her popularity in this solidly Democratic district, which includes about two-thirds of her current district’s voters. She remains an effective advocate for issues important to her district and a leader among House Democrats.

For U.S. House, District 23, The Herald recommends DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ.