Full Breakdown
Bernie Sanders Funds Florida Progressive Senate Challenger Angie Nixon
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Sanders Directs Campaign Money to Nixon’s Senate Race
Senator Bernie Sanders announced that his campaign, which held nearly $23 million as of July 1, will allocate “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to support state Rep. Angie Nixon’s bid for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by former Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Sanders framed the contribution as part of a broader effort to “strengthen the grassroots movement” in three competitive Senate contests—Michigan, Minnesota and Florida.
Background & Context
Angie Nixon, a Jacksonville-born progressive, won the Democratic primary in June after defeating establishment-backed Alex Vindman. She joined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) that summer but later described herself as a “social democrat” and emphasized ties to the Working Families Party. The special election pits Nixon against incumbent Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis after Rubio’s resignation.
Key Figures & Groups
- Angie Nixon — Democratic Senate candidate, former DSA member, endorsed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
- Bernie Sanders — Independent Vermont senator, progressive leader, donor of campaign funds.
- Ashley Moody — Incumbent Republican senator, former Florida attorney general.
- David Jolly — Democratic candidate for governor, spoke at a Boynton Beach rally.
- Lois Frankel — Democratic U.S. Rep., addressed affordability at the same rally.
- Emma Hall — Southeast regional communications director for the Republican National Committee.
Data & Statistics
- Polls: A St. Pete poll shows Nixon and Moody tied at 45 % each, with 7 % undecided; other statewide surveys list Nixon trailing.
- Funding: Sanders’ campaign reported $23 million on hand (July 1) and is earmarking “hundreds of thousands” for Nixon. Nixon’s own campaign is described as “cash-poor” relative to Republican opponents.
- Hope Florida scandal: Gov. DeSantis allegedly funneled $10 million from a Medicaid settlement into PACs supporting anti-abortion and marijuana-legalization initiatives in 2024; Nixon called the episode a “massive shakedown.”
Official Statements & Responses
She warned that voters who reject her stance risk returning Moody, whom she called a “rubber-stamp” for former President Donald Trump.
Criticism & Opposition
Miriam Klepper, a voter with a family history of the Holocaust, warned that Nixon’s stance could cost her Jewish support.
On-the-Ground Reports
At a recent rally in Boynton Beach’s St. John Missionary Baptist Church, Nixon, Gov. candidate David Jolly, Rep. Lois Frankel and Attorney-General candidate Jose Javier Rodriguez addressed a packed, predominantly Black audience. Themes included housing affordability, health-care costs, and criticism of the “Hope Florida” scandal. A separate town hall in southwestern Palm Beach County featured a heated exchange over Nixon’s genocide comment.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Polling: The St. Pete tie contrasts with other unnamed polls that place Nixon behind Moody, leaving the true state of the race ambiguous.
- Impact of genocide comment: While Bauman predicts electoral harm, Nixon’s supporters argue the issue will not dominate voter decisions; no systematic polling on this specific question is available.
- Moody campaign response: The incumbent’s campaign has not issued a public statement regarding Nixon’s remarks or the fundraising influx.
What’s Next
Nixon is slated to hold a town hall at Florida A&M University on Oct. 12. The November 3 general election will determine whether the Sanders-backed progressive challenge can unseat Sen. Moody. Sanders has indicated he will continue to monitor and support “great candidates” in the remaining Senate contests.