Debbie Wasserman Schultz is a professional American politician best known as the first Jewish female congressperson to be elected from Florida.
Born Deborah Wasserman, the congresswoman began her journey into politics as a legislative aide to Peter Deutsch, a veteran politician from the U.S State and former Florida representative from 1993 to 2005.
Biography of Debbie Wasserman Schultz
The American political icon was born on September 27, 1966, in Forest Hills, Queens, New York City, to Ann and Larry Wasserman, a certified public accountant. Debbie grew up with her brother Steven Wasserman in Lido Beach on Long Island.
Her family, including Steven, who currently works as the assistant to the United States Attorney for Columbia district, however, relocated to Melville in 1978.
Following the relocation, Debbie was enrolled at Half Hollow Hills High School East, from where she graduated in 1984. She later proceeded to the University of Florida in Gainesville to further her education.
She studied political science at the University, graduating in 1988. Shortly after she received her first degree, Debbie enrolled for her second degree in the same university and graduated with a Master of Arts certificate in 1990.
While at the prestigious institution of learning, Wasserman was very active in student politics. From emerging as the president of the Student Senate to founding the Rawlings Area Council Government, the respected politician made a mark with her political expertise and competence.
Debbie was also served as the vice president of the UF College Democrats, president of the Graduate Student Council and as a member of the James C. Grimm chapter of the National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH) and the Omicron Delta Kappa honor society.
With these experiences under her belt, Wasserman was able to make it as a member of the Democratic Party and subsequently as a member of the Florida Senate and the Florida House of Representatives after she completed her studies.
Her Husband
Debbie is the wife of Steve Schultz, a renowned American banker. The couple, who got married in 1991, has been together as husband and wife for over twenty-six years.
The sweethearts and their three children (Rebecca Schultz, Jake Schultz, and Shelby Schultz) currently live in their $700,000 mansion in Weston, Florida.
Net Worth
Despite her height in society and successful political career, Wasserman boasts a moderate net worth estimated to be around $1 million which she supposedly built from her annual salary and other endeavors.
Quick Facts about Debbie Wasserman Schultz
1. Debbie recently resigned from her position as head of the Democratic National Committee (DNC) after it emerged that she supported Hillary Clinton’s presidential bid during the last presidential campaign against Bernie Sanders’ presidential ambition. The position was previously occupied by Saint Paul-born attorney Tim Kaine.
2. Like her husband, the congresswoman has had her fair share of controversy and criticism.
3. Debbie is an active member of the planned parenthood, Hadassah, and the National Jewish Democratic Council. She really has her wealth of experience to thank for belonging to these standard organizations.
4. She holds the record as the youngest female legislator to have served in the state’s history. Her tenure lasted for eight years.
5. Over the course of her political career, Wasserman played influential roles in the amendment and implementation of many Acts including the Stop Online Privacy Act (2011), Stopping Tax Offenders and Prosecuting Identity Theft Act (2013), H.R. 4018, Emergency Economic Stabilisation Act (2008) and many more.
6. The congresswoman won notable politicians like Marc Luzietti, Bob Kunst, Karen Harrington, and Margaret Hosteller to make it to the congressional seat as a member of the Florida State Senate.
7. During the 2006 elections, Wasserman raised a whopping seven million dollars as campaign contributions for her Democratic colleagues.
8. In 2008, she underwent seven breast cancer-related surgeries. She made this shocking revelation in March 2009.
9. Debbie Wasserman’s mentor is no other person than Peter Deutsch whom she replaced during the Democratic primary election.
Award and Achievements
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been decorated severally with awards in recognition for her significant contribution to public service. Some of the awards she has walked home with include;
Rosemary Barkett Award
Quality Floridian Florida League of Cities (1994)
Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers (1995)
The Young Turks Jerk of The Year (2016)
Woman of the Year, AMIT (1994)
One of Six Most Unstoppable Women, South Florida Magazine (1994)
Outstanding Legislator of the year, Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women (1994)
Crime Fighter of the Year Award, Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) (2008), and many more.
