A Transformational Leader Bringing 20+ Years of Proven Results to Congress
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Dale V.C. Holness, former Mayor of Broward County and champion for working families, officially launched his campaign for Congress in Florida’s 20th Congressional District. A lifelong Democrat and veteran public servant, Holness has a proven record of delivering bold solutions, expanding opportunity, and transforming communities. He is running to bring the same leadership to the United States House of Representatives.
As a grassroots organizer and Democratic leader for over 40 years, Holness has been a trusted advisor to state and national leaders on economic empowerment and community development. His campaign for Congress is built on the same foundation that has defined his public service: listening to communities, solving problems, and fighting for the dignity of every person. Over the past 20+ years as an elected official, he has demonstrated this commitment through concrete results in South Florida.
“Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about taking action that changes lives and brings resources back home,” Holness said. “I’ve spent more than 20 years fighting for jobs, justice, opportunity, and dignity for South Florida families. District 20 deserves a representative who shows up, delivers results, and understands the struggles our families face every day.”
Holness has spent his career breaking down barriers and building pathways to prosperity. He was a leader on major projects creating tens of thousands of jobs, including a 30-year transportation plan generating $16 billion in economic activity, FLL Airport expansion, Port Everglades modernization, and $1 billion Convention Center & Hotel redevelopment.
Holness has delivered 200+ affordable homes in historically neglected communities, helped to direct $59 million in emergency rental assistance for underserved communities, and architected the landmark “30-for-30” policy guaranteeing 30 percent of transportation surtax funds support small, minority- and women-owned businesses for three decades.
The 2025 Asset Limited, Income Constrained, employed (ALICE) Report highlights the crisis facing Florida families: 13% live in poverty, 34% are working full-time but cannot afford basic needs, and 47% of households fall below the ALICE threshold. Workers include nurses, teachers, drivers, servers, security guards, retail employees, and caregivers. These are the people who keep communities running yet struggle to make ends meet. These numbers are even higher in District 20.
“Our families are doing everything they can, but the cost of living is outpacing their wages,” Holness said. “These aren’t just statistics—these are our neighbors, coworkers, and family members. District 20 is at a breaking point, and Washington cannot continue ignoring communities like ours.”
Holness has emerged as a national voice on economic justice. He founded the Florida International Trade & Cultural Expo, connecting Broward to more than 70 countries and earning the U.S. Presidential Export Award. He has helped over 10,000 legal permanent residents become U.S. citizens through free citizenship drives, reflecting his immigrant roots and dedication to inclusion.
Throughout his career, Holness has championed social equity and criminal justice reform, establishing policies that address inequalities and protect the rights of all members of our community. This includes a living wage ordinance, additional homestead exemption for our senior population, and much more.
Holness’s campaign platform focuses on the issues most important to District 20 residents:
- Lowering the cost of living for working families and frontline workers
- Strengthening Social Security and Medicare
- Raising wages and expanding small-business opportunity
- Improving access to healthcare, including mental health services
- Investing in infrastructure and public transit to create jobs and improve mobility
- Protecting civil rights, voting rights, and democracy
- Advancing a fair and humane immigration system
- Ensuring veterans have access to the services, benefits, and opportunities they deserve
“Throughout my career I’ve earned the trust of voters by showing up and delivering,” Holness said. “I’m running for Congress because Florida’s 20th District deserves that same commitment.”
Holness will host the official Campaign Kick-off on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the campaign headquarters, located at 4325 W. Sunrise Blvd., Plantation, FL 33313. Residents are encouraged to attend, volunteer, and learn how to support the campaign. For more information, visit www.holnessforcongress.com or call (954) 865-3389.
About Dale V.C. Holness:
Dale V.C. Holness served as Mayor of Broward County and represented District 9 as a Broward County Commissioner for 12 years. He served as Lauderhill Commissioner and Vice Mayor. With over 40 years as a grassroots organizer and 20+ years as an elected official, Holness has transformed communities across South Florida through affordable housing initiatives, small business empowerment, social equity and international trade partnerships. A lifelong South Florida resident and devoted Democrat, Holness attended Broward College and is a passionate advocate for economic justice and opportunity for all.