Democratic socialist Angie Nixon has won the Democratic primary for the US Senate in Florida. Her victory is a major upset for the party establishment.
Nixon, a Florida state representative, defeated former US Army officer Alexander Vindman. She had far less campaign money than Vindman before the vote.
By the end of July, Nixon had about $975,000 in funds. Vindman had raised about $16.3 million. Despite the large gap, Nixon built enough support to win the race.
The result sets up a November contest with Republican Ashley Moody. Moody is the Republican candidate for the Senate seat. She was chosen by Governor Ron DeSantis to replace Marco Rubio after Rubio became secretary of state.
Nixon was born in Jacksonville. She is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America. She has also been a strong critic of DeSantis and his policies.
Earlier this year, Nixon joined a sit-in at the governor’s office. The protest was against a Republican plan to redraw Florida’s voting maps. Nixon now faces misdemeanor charges linked to the protest. She is fighting the case in court.
Her campaign also focused on issues faced by working people in Florida. Nixon had called for a more open race and urged Vindman to debate her. Vindman did not agree to take part in a debate.
Nixon said voters did not want party leaders in Washington to choose their nominee. She also said she had spent years working with Floridians and knew the issues they faced.
Vindman had been seen as the likely winner. His campaign had a huge money lead. He was also well known for his work during Donald Trump’s first term.
Vindman served on the National Security Council. He later became a key witness in Trump’s first impeachment. The case centered on Trump’s efforts to get Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to investigate Joe Biden.
After the primary was called, Vindman praised Nixon. He said she ran a strong campaign. He also said he would support her in the fight against Moody.
Nixon celebrated the result in a post on social media. She thanked the people who worked on her campaign.
Some polling had given Nixon a reason for hope. One poll showed that she could perform better against Moody than Vindman. However, the same poll showed Moody ahead of both Democrats.
Democratic leaders welcomed Nixon’s win. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee chair Kirsten Gillibrand praised her work. They also pointed to her past work as a union organizer.
Nixon’s win is part of a wider rise for Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates. Candidates linked to the group have won several Democratic primaries across the country this year.
Still, the Florida results were mixed for progressives.
Former Democratic National Committee chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz won her primary race. She defeated Elijah Manley, a young candidate backed by a progressive group.
Two-term Congressman Jared Moskowitz also won his primary. He defeated Oliver Larkin, a Democratic socialist who ran on a platform that included universal health care and free college at public universities.
Larkin also backed ending Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Moskowitz had faced attacks from Larkin over his past support for some Republican-backed policies.
The results show a clear split in Florida’s Democratic Party. Nixon’s win gives the party’s left wing a major victory. Other races showed that centrist and long-time Democratic leaders still have strong support.
Nixon now faces a difficult general election. Florida has become a key state for both parties. Moody will have the support of the Republican base and the power of her current office.
For Nixon, the next stage will be to turn her primary win into a wider campaign. She will need support from Democrats across the state. The November race could also test how well progressive ideas can win votes in Florida.
