Angie Nixon, a Democratic Socialists of America–backed Florida state representative, upset retired Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in the Democratic Senate primary, winning about 56% to 44%. The result was notable because Vindman outraised Nixon roughly $16 million to $975,000. President Donald Trump celebrated the outcome on Truth Social, mocking Vindman. Nixon, who campaigned on Medicare for All, abolishing ICE and limiting U.S. aid to Israel, will face Republican Ashley Moody in November.
Angie Nixon Scores Upset Over Alexander Vindman in Florida Democratic Primary — Trump Gloats
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Angie Nixon, a Florida state representative backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, pulled off a surprising upset Tuesday by defeating retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman in the Democratic Senate primary in Florida.
"SleazeBag Vindman loses tonight to a Radical Left Lunatic. How cool is that???"This was how former President Donald Trump celebrated the result on Truth Social shortly after the race was called.
Nixon won roughly 56% of the vote to Vindman’s 44% with most ballots counted, overcoming a steep fundraising disadvantage: Vindman raised more than $16 million for his campaign compared with about $975,000 for Nixon, according to Florida Politics. The margin and the disparity in resources made Nixon’s victory notable across political circles.
Vindman first rose to national prominence during Trump’s first impeachment in 2019, when he testified to Congress about the president’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He leaned on that record during his Senate bid, saying in his launch video that he had kept his "oath to tell the truth" about a president "who broke his."
Nixon, who has represented parts of Jacksonville in the Florida House since 2020, secured support from prominent progressive Democrats and activists, and ran on a platform that included Medicare for All, abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and ending certain forms of U.S. aid to Israel. Her grassroots message and organizing helped her close the resource gap and mobilize voters.
With the Democratic nomination decided, Nixon will advance to the November general election to face Republican candidate Ashley Moody, Florida’s attorney general. The general election will test whether Nixon’s progressive coalition can carry her beyond the primary and into a statewide contest.
Reporting note: Vote totals and fundraising figures cited are based on contemporary reporting by Florida Politics and race calls on election night.
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