Florida state representative Angie Nixon, who recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America, scored an unexpected win in the Democratic primary for a U.S. Senate seat, defeating retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman. Nixon will face Republican Ashley Moody, who was appointed to the seat vacated by Marco Rubio in January 2025. Backed by national progressive figures, Nixon’s victory highlights tensions around the “socialist” label in Florida and energizes Democrats hoping to reverse recent Republican gains. If elected in November, she would become Florida’s first Black U.S. senator and only the second woman ever elected to the Senate from the state.
Progressive Upset: Angie Nixon Wins Florida Democratic Senate Primary
Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon drinks a Cuban coffee in front of a mural of singer Gloria Estefan on a tour of the Little Havana neighborhood of Miami on August 15, 2026.(Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
Angie Nixon, a Florida state representative and community organizer who recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America, pulled off a surprising victory in Florida’s Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate.
Nixon defeated retired Lt. Col. Alex Vindman to secure the Democratic nomination. She will face Republican Ashley Moody, who was appointed to fill the seat vacated by Marco Rubio in January 2025.
Her win is notable in a state where the label "socialist" has often been politically damaging, particularly among some Latino voters. In recent years, Republicans have expanded their influence in Florida by stoking concerns about socialism and pointing to authoritarian regimes in Cuba, Venezuela and elsewhere.
Progressive Backing and Campaign Message
Nixon ran with high-profile progressive support, including endorsements and public backing from Representatives Maxwell Frost (FL), Ilhan Omar (MN), Rashida Tlaib (MI) and Ayanna Pressley (MA). Her campaign framed itself as a challenge to entrenched interests, promising to take on "billionaires and corporations" and to center the needs of working people.
What This Means
In a state that has trended toward Republicans during the Trump era, Nixon’s upset energized Democrats who hope her candidacy can slow the party’s losses. If she wins in November, Nixon would become the first Black U.S. senator from Florida and only the second woman ever elected to represent the state in the U.S. Senate.
Known for visible acts of protest, Nixon was arrested during a May sit-in at the office of Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over Florida’s redrawn congressional maps. She staged that demonstration wearing a pink jumpsuit and carrying a pink megaphone, and she also denounced the maps on the Florida House floor.
Note: The general election pitting Nixon against Moody will be closely watched as a barometer of progressive strength and voter sentiment in a politically pivotal state.
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