Angie Nixon wins Florida Senate Democratic primary, defeating Alex Vindman

NBC News projects that Nixon, a state lawmaker, will face GOP Sen. Ashley Moody, who was appointed to replace Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in the general election.

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.”

Vindman was recruited to run for the seat by the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee in an effort to expand its map during a midterm election cycle that is expected to be favorable for the party.