Like most, I did not see this one coming. Everyone just assumed Alex Vindman would win, as he had more money, more endorsements, and more institutional support. And that Vindman would go on to lose to Republican Ashley Moody in November. But in the end, it was not even close, as state Rep. Angie Nixon won, despite spending just $60,000 on advertising. Perhaps the most surprising win by a DSA candidate this year.
Source: NBC News
Progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon scored a major upset over former National Security Council aide Alex Vindman in the Florida Democratic Senate primary, NBC News projects, setting up a general election race against Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.
Vindman, a retired lieutenant colonel and Iraq War veteran who rose to prominence as a witness during President Donald Trump’s 2019 impeachment hearings, was viewed as a heavy favorite against Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, heading into Tuesday’s contest.
Vindman raised more than $16 million for his campaign, a significant number for a Democrat in red-leaning Florida, while Nixon brought in less than $1 million.
“We showed the world what organized people can accomplish,” Nixon told supporters Tuesday night. “And we showed the world what people of Florida are all about. Medicare for all. Universal child care. Real, affordable housing. Fully funded public education. And an end to senseless wars.”
Angie Nixon said Democratic leaders Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer should face scrutiny as too many “corporate-established Democrats” are beholden to companies rather than ordinary people. “I don’t care about corporations’ bottom lines; I care about people,” Nixon said.… pic.twitter.com/K9jfShul7g
— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) August 19, 2026
Democratic Socialist State Representative Angie Nixon, outspent more than 16 to 1, pulled off a HUGE upset to win the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in Florida.
Congratulations Angie!— Bernie Sanders (@BernieSanders) August 19, 2026
Fox News began their fearmongering immediately. Scary stuff.
