For decades, Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell has been a fixture of Miami culture, from his days dominating the airwaves with 2 Live Crew to his more recent work as a community activist and high school football coach. But as he campaigns for Florida’s 20th Congressional District in 2026, Campbell is making it clear that he isn’t heading to Washington to participate in the typical political theater.
In a recent interview with CNN’s Laura Coates, Campbell laid out a platform centered on economic results rather than partisan bickering.
“I’m not going to Washington to fight Donald Trump,” Campbell stated. “I’m not going up there to have this shouting match with individuals. I am going to Washington to bring back resources back to this district. For people who look like me, who I care about”.
"I'm not going to Washington to fight @POTUS . I'm not going up there to have this shouting match with individuals. I'm going to Washington to bring back resources back to this district for people who look like me, who I care about." @unclelukereal1
— Laura Coates (@thelauracoates) May 28, 2026
On run for Congress #Florida pic.twitter.com/OfUxf2nfuF
Campbell, who resigned from his position at Miami Edison High School to focus on his run for the seat vacated by Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, argues that his history as a businessman and mentor makes him more qualified than a “career politician”.
He pointed to a track record of building parks and creating millionaires through music, sports, and entertainment as evidence of his ability to generate wealth and infrastructure.
“I understand this district,” Campbell said. “I understand the people in the district. I understand the kids in the park… The things that I’ve done throughout my career, working with business leaders, being a businessman myself, I’m totally different. I’m not a politician”.
The race for District 20 has become a focal point for Black political representation in Florida. Following Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation amidst a federal investigation, Campbell has been vocal about keeping political power “with the people, not party insiders and political machines”.
He recently called out establishment moves as an attack on Black political leadership, emphasizing that Black men are already feeling “fragile” when it comes to their relationship with the Democratic Party.
The primary election for Florida’s 20th Congressional District is set for August 18.
