Meet Elijah Manley, a son of Broward with deep roots in this community.

Elijah and his sister Yakirah, circa 2003

Born and raised in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s historic Sistrunk community, Elijah Manley knows firsthand the struggles that too many families in South Florida still face today. Raised by a hardworking single mother and growing up in deep poverty, Elijah experienced chronic homelessness, food insecurity, and the harsh realities of living paycheck to paycheck. He understands what it’s like to go to school hungry, to live without electricity, and to wonder where his family would sleep at night.

But despite these hardships, Elijah refused to let his circumstances define him. As a teenager, he started his own small landscaping business, knocking on doors to earn money to help his mother with bills, buy his own school supplies, and even afford bus passes to get to the library—his refuge for learning and growth. At just nine years old, he was inspired by Barack Obama’s historic election, igniting his passion for public service. He began writing to elected officials, speaking at school board and city council meetings, and advocating for issues affecting his community. At Fort Lauderdale High School, he enrolled in the criminal justice and law magnet program, joined the Navy JROTC, and dedicated himself to community service, earning recognition for his hundreds of volunteer hours.

Elijah Manley at graduation

The devastating Parkland shooting pushed Elijah to take action, leading him to run for the Broward County School Board at just 19 years old. In that countywide race, he earned over 43,000 votes and became a recognized voice in the March for Our Lives movement. His determination didn’t stop there—he later ran for the Florida State House, gaining endorsements and the backing of his community in a hard-fought race.

Elijah Manley is not another politician who will offer empty promises. He is a champion for the people because he is the people. He knows what it’s like to struggle, and he knows what it takes to rise above it. His lived experience makes him the strongest advocate for affordable housing, better wages, and real economic opportunity for working families. South Florida needs a leader who truly understands their pain and is ready to fight for real change. That leader is Elijah Manley.