Angie Nixon, Candidate for Senate, Takes Florida by Storm
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-09-13 10:27:00 — www.nytimes.com
President Trump’s Influence Looms Over Florida Senate Race as He Labels Nixon a “Card-Carrying Member” of D.S.A.
President Trump’s political legacy continues to shape Florida’s electoral landscape, with his repeated victories in the state casting a long shadow over the current U.S. Senate race. As progressive Democrat Angie Nixon mounts her campaign, she faces the challenge of running in a state that, as the excerpt notes, “President Trump has taken three times.”
Trump’s involvement in the race became explicit at the recent Republican midterm convention, where he called Nixon a “card-carrying member” of the Democratic Socialists of America (D.S.A.). This label, echoed by Florida Republicans, is being used to frame Nixon’s candidacy as outside the mainstream and to energize the GOP base against her. The Republican strategy is clear: by branding Nixon as a “socialist,” they hope to make it easier for incumbent Senator Ashley Moody—appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis—to retain her seat in November.
The excerpt also highlights broader dynamics at play. While national Democrats have largely written off Florida, some forces—such as the high cost of living and Hispanic voters who “lean away from Mr. Trump”—could complicate Republican dominance. Yet, Trump’s repeated electoral success in Florida remains a central fact shaping both parties’ strategies and expectations.
Nixon, for her part, has positioned herself as a fighter, telling supporters she would be the “biggest pain” for both DeSantis and Trump. Her campaign, rooted in grassroots activism and progressive causes, faces skepticism from both Republicans and some Democrats, but her decisive primary win signals that her message is resonating with a significant portion of the Democratic base.
As the race unfolds, Trump’s rhetoric and record in Florida continue to define the contours of the contest, with his direct attacks on Nixon serving as both a rallying cry for Republicans and a challenge for Democrats seeking to broaden their appeal in a state that has consistently supported Trump at the ballot box.
In summary, President Trump’s public statements and enduring popularity in Florida are central to the narrative of this year’s Senate race, shaping both the strategies of Republican incumbents and the uphill battle faced by progressive challengers like Angie Nixon.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/09/13/us/politics/angie-nixon-florida-senate.html