Angie Nixon Scores Florida Senate Primary Upset as Key Midterm Races Take Shape

Democratic socialist Angie Nixon delivered a major upset in Florida’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary on Tuesday, defeating former national security official Alex Vindman as voters across several states selected candidates for the 2026 midterm elections.

Nixon, a 42-year-old Florida state lawmaker and labor movement activist, overcame a significant fundraising disadvantage. Vindman, known nationally for testifying during President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, raised roughly 16 times more campaign money than Nixon.

The progressive candidate gained attention earlier this year after protesting Florida congressional redistricting legislation with a pink megaphone. Her campaign encouraged supporters to wear pink to polling stations, while prominent progressives, including Representative Ilhan Omar, endorsed her candidacy.

Nixon will challenge Republican Senator Ashley Moody in November. Election analysts consider Moody the favorite to complete the remaining two years of Marco Rubio’s Senate term. Rubio currently serves as Trump’s secretary of state.

Florida’s governor race will meanwhile feature Republican Byron Donalds against Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly.

In Alaska, former Democratic Representative Mary Peltola and incumbent Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan advanced from the state’s nonpartisan Senate primary. With about two-thirds of votes counted, Peltola led Sullivan 46.8% to 44.4%, making Alaska a potentially important Democratic pickup opportunity in the battle for Senate control.

Alaska’s top four candidates advance to November, where ranked-choice voting could help Peltola attract independent support. Another candidate, Dan J. Sullivan, placed third with roughly 2.4%. The Justice Department is investigating whether his candidacy was intended to confuse voters, according to a source familiar with the matter. He has denied that intention.

Florida’s congressional primaries also produced notable results. Democratic Representatives Jared Moskowitz and Debbie Wasserman Schultz won their nominations despite districts reshaped through Republican-backed redistricting. Republican Ryan Elijah defeated Representative Cory Mills, who faces House Ethics Committee investigations.

Florida’s new congressional map could ultimately produce a delegation of 24 Republicans and four Democrats, adding further significance to November’s elections as both parties fight for control of Congress.