Full story
Nixon defeats Vindman
Florida’s Democratic Senate special primary set up a November matchup after progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, with NBC News projecting the upset and Decision Desk HQ calling Nixon’s win as she advanced to face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.
“"We showed the world what organized people can accomplish,"”
Nixon’s victory came as Vindman, a National Security Council whistleblower who testified during President Trump’s first impeachment trial, was described by NBC News as a heavy favorite heading into Tuesday’s contest.
NBC News reported Nixon told supporters Tuesday night, "We showed the world what organized people can accomplish," and she added, "And we showed the world what people of Florida are all about."
Vindman, in a statement, said Nixon "ran a strong campaign" and continued, "I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody. I hope you’ll join me."
Campaign clash and attacks
The CBS News account said Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated Vindman in Tuesday’s primary and that the win reflected an insurgent Democrat pulling off a victory over a more moderate opponent with a significant cash advantage.
CBS News quoted Vindman saying, "Rep. Nixon ran a strong campaign. I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody," while NBC News reported Nixon’s victory speech included, "there is a place for you" in her campaign.
NBC News reported Moody called accused Nixon of wanting to "destroy this country and everything that it is built on," and the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee said, "Florida will never elect a socialist to the US Senate" and looked forward to Moody’s victory in November.
In the same NBC News coverage, Nixon criticized Vindman for only recently having moved to Florida and posted, "Florida: the choice is OURS," as part of her closing message.
November stakes and term
With Nixon and Moody now set for November, CBS News said Moody will face Nixon after winning her Republican primary and that Democrats are eyeing a long-shot pickup opportunity in the Sunshine State.
“"We have 77 days to flip Florida blue, win this Senate seat"”
CBS News reported Moody was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Congress’ upper chamber, and it said Moody is aiming to win the special election to serve out the remainder of his term, which ends in early 2029.
NBC News described the general election as the race to select who will finish out the remainder of Marco Rubio’s term, and it said Nixon’s upset sets up a contest against Moody.
CBS News also framed the broader Senate math by saying Democrats would need to win four seats to flip the chamber, with 53 Republicans in the Senate.