Full Breakdown
Bernie Sanders Endorses Angie Nixon at Rain-Soaked Tampa Rally
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Sanders backs Nixon in Florida Senate race
On October 17, 2026, Senator Bernie Sanders arrived in Tampa’s historic Ybor City district for a rally that drew over a thousand attendees despite heavy rain. In the courtyard of the Cuban Club, Sanders introduced Democratic Senate candidate Angie Nixon and said she “is the next U.S. Senator.”
Background & Context
Angie Nixon, a former state representative from Jacksonville, upset the establishment-backed opponent in the August Democratic primary, overcoming a rival who outspent her roughly 18-to-1. She now faces incumbent Republican Senator Ashley Moody, appointed in 2025 after Marco Rubio became Secretary of State. Florida’s voter registration still shows Republicans outnumbering Democrats by about 1.5 million, making the race a key midterm contest.
Data & Statistics
- Fundraising: Nixon’s campaign raised $7.9 million, with nearly $5 million from small donors and a $250,000 contribution from Our Revolution.
- Out-spending Ratio: Sanders noted Nixon was “outspent 15 to 1” in the primary, a figure reported by *cbs12*.
- Polling: A Mason-Dixon poll cited by *thebradentontimes* shows Nixon leading among independent voters, narrowing the gap with Moody.
Official Statements & Responses
Sanders framed the contest as a fight against billionaire influence and urged an end to super-PACs. Nixon warned that Moody’s December 31, 2025 vote that let 400,000 Floridians lose insurance subsidies demonstrated “corruption that’s raising our costs.” She pledged Medicare for All, living-wage jobs, and renter protections. No public response from Moody was recorded.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Nobody thought that Angie could win the primary,” — Bernie Sanders
- “I believe that the next Senator from Florida is going to be Angie Nixon,” — Bernie Sanders
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fundraising Advantage: *thebradentontimes* says Nixon has “outraised” Moody, but comparable figures for Moody are absent.
- Poll Details: The Mason-Dixon poll lacks methodology and sample size, limiting its reliability.
What’s Next
The campaign will continue with stops in Melbourne, Gainesville, and Tallahassee after the Tampa rally. Voters will decide the seat on November 3.
