Retired Army lieutenant colonel pledges to stand with Democratic nominee Angie Nixon in November fight against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman threw his support behind state Rep. Angie Nixon after losing Florida’s Democratic U.S. Senate primary, calling on his supporters to unite behind Nixon as Democrats turn their attention to the November special election against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

Vindman, a 21-year Army combat veteran and former White House national security official, reflected on his journey from arriving in the United States as a refugee to becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate.

“Who would’ve ever thought that a Jewish refugee would make it to the U.S. Army, to the White House, and to becoming a candidate for the U.S. Senate,” Vindman said in his election-night statement. “Only in America is that possible.”

VINDMAN: ‘I STILL BELIEVE IN THE AMERICAN DREAM’

Vindman’s statement focused heavily on his personal story and continued belief in the opportunities available in the United States.

“I still believe in the American Dream, because I’ve lived it,” Vindman said. “It’s worth fighting for.”

Vindman and his family left the Soviet Union as refugees when he was 3 years old.

He later served 21 years in the U.S. Army, including combat service, before becoming a national security official and serving in the White House.

After his military career took him around the world, Vindman and his wife, Rachel, settled with their family in Florida.

VINDMAN ENDORSES ANGIE NIXON

Vindman quickly moved beyond the primary campaign and pledged his support to Nixon.

“Rep. Nixon ran a strong campaign,” Vindman said. “I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody. I hope you’ll join me.”

The statement represents an immediate effort to unite Democrats following a competitive primary.

Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative known for her progressive politics and outspoken opposition to Republican policies in Tallahassee, defeated Vindman for the Democratic nomination.

DEMOCRATS TURN TOWARD NOVEMBER

Vindman’s endorsement gives Nixon an opportunity to bring his primary supporters into her general election coalition.

The challenge now shifts from a Democratic contest to a statewide battle against Moody, a former Florida attorney general who was appointed to the Senate and secured the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s primary.

The race presents Florida voters with sharply contrasting candidates and political records.

Nixon has built her reputation as a progressive legislator and grassroots activist, while Moody has been closely aligned with Florida’s Republican leadership and Gov. Ron DeSantis.

PRIMARY RIVALS UNITE AGAINST ASHLEY MOODY

Vindman’s election-night message avoided a prolonged battle over the primary result. Instead, he congratulated Nixon on running a strong campaign and immediately focused on defeating Moody.

That could prove important for Democrats as they seek to consolidate their voters after the primary and compete statewide in November.

For Vindman, the campaign ended with a message centered on the country that gave his refugee family a new beginning.

For Nixon, his endorsement marks the beginning of a different challenge: bringing together Democrats who supported competing candidates and turning an upset primary victory into a viable statewide campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR’s season-ending championships for a second consecutive year as major facility upgrades reshape the fan experience

HOMESTEAD, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — NASCAR Championship Weekend will remain in South Florida for 2027, with Homestead-Miami Speedway set to host the sport’s three title-deciding races Nov. 12-14, 2027.

The announcement means Homestead-Miami Speedway will host NASCAR Championship Weekend in consecutive seasons, beginning with its highly anticipated return Nov. 6-8, 2026.

The South Florida track also announced a $20 million renovation project scheduled to open this fall, featuring a redesigned primary entrance, renovated Ally Champions Club, expanded fan zone and other improvements aimed at enhancing the championship-weekend experience.

NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND STAYS IN SOUTH FLORIDA

The 2027 championship weekend will mark the 20th time Homestead-Miami Speedway has hosted NASCAR’s season-ending championship battles.

Homestead previously served as NASCAR’s championship venue for 18 consecutive seasons from 2002 through 2019.

The finale moved to Phoenix Raceway from 2020 through 2025 before returning to Homestead for the 2026 season.

“The South Florida community is thrilled to once again be the home for NASCAR Championship Weekend in 2026 and 2027, as next year will be the Speedway’s 20th time doing so,” Homestead-Miami Speedway President Guillermo Santa Cruz said.

Santa Cruz said NASCAR’s championship weekend generates significant visibility, economic activity and community engagement while providing an opportunity to showcase South Florida as a destination for major sporting events.

$20 MILLION TRANSFORMATION COMING TO HOMESTEAD-MIAMI SPEEDWAY

Fans arriving for the 2026 championship weekend will be among the first to experience the speedway’s $20 million transformation.

The project includes:

• A new primary gate and redesigned arrival experience
• A comprehensive renovation of the Ally Champions Club
• An expanded fan zone
• Additional food and beverage opportunities
• Upgraded premium hospitality and viewing areas
• Operational and aesthetic improvements throughout the facility

The redesigned main entrance is intended to improve the flow of fans into the speedway while creating a more modern first impression.

The expanded fan zone will provide additional space for interactive attractions, entertainment, sponsor activations and food and beverage options.

NASCAR INVESTS IN HOMESTEAD’S CHAMPIONSHIP FUTURE

NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Ben Kennedy said the investment positions Homestead-Miami Speedway for another era of championship racing.

“Homestead-Miami Speedway has a rich history of delivering some of the most memorable championship moments in our sport, and this investment will ensure the venue is positioned for its next era of championship racing,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy said the improvements are particularly important as NASCAR continues using a rotating model for Championship Weekend.

The investment also signals NASCAR’s continued commitment to the South Florida track as Homestead-Miami Speedway celebrates its 30th season.

ALLY CHAMPIONS CLUB GETS MAJOR UPGRADE

One of the renovation project’s centerpieces will be the transformation of the Ally Champions Club.

The premium hospitality area will feature upgraded amenities, enhanced food and beverage offerings, improved viewing opportunities and a redesigned interior influenced by South Florida and NASCAR championship racing.

“These enhancements will create a more premium and memorable experience for our fans while ensuring we are ready to host NASCAR Championship Weekend at the highest level,” Santa Cruz said.

HOMESTEAD’S CHAMPIONSHIP HISTORY

Homestead-Miami Speedway has played a significant role in NASCAR championship history.

The track’s distinctive 1.5-mile layout and progressive banking have produced memorable title races and championship celebrations.

Among active Cup Series drivers, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano have captured Cup championships at Homestead, winning their titles in 2012 and 2018, respectively.

Kyle Larson also won at Homestead last season on his way to capturing his second career NASCAR Cup Series championship.

With the championship returning in 2026 and remaining in South Florida for 2027, a new generation of NASCAR drivers will have an opportunity to add their names to Homestead’s championship history.

2027 NASCAR CHAMPIONSHIP WEEKEND SCHEDULE

NASCAR’s three national series will determine their champions during the three-day South Florida weekend:

Friday, Nov. 12, 2027 — NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Championship

Saturday, Nov. 13, 2027 — NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Championship

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2027 — NASCAR Cup Series Championship

SOUTH FLORIDA BACK IN NASCAR’S CHAMPIONSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Bringing NASCAR Championship Weekend back for consecutive seasons gives Homestead-Miami Speedway another opportunity to establish itself as one of the sport’s premier destination events.

For South Florida, the impact extends beyond the racetrack. Thousands of NASCAR fans traveling to the region can generate business for hotels, restaurants, tourism attractions and other local businesses throughout championship week.

The combination of back-to-back NASCAR Championship Weekends and a $20 million speedway transformation also represents a significant investment in Homestead-Miami Speedway’s future.

After six years away from NASCAR’s season finale, Homestead isn’t simply getting the championship back.

It’s getting ready to host it for years to come.

Republican incumbent cruises through GOP primary, setting up November showdown with Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon

By Florida National News

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody easily won Florida’s Republican nomination Tuesday in the special election for U.S. Senate, advancing to a November general election against Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon.

Moody dominated the Republican primary with nearly 80% of the vote. Chris Gleason finished a distant second with about 14%, while Ernest Rivera and Neelam Perry each received less than 5%.

The victory allows Moody to turn her attention to November as she campaigns to retain the Senate seat she was appointed to fill after Marco Rubio left the Senate to become secretary of state.

MOODY DOMINATES REPUBLICAN PRIMARY

Unlike the upset that unfolded on the Democratic side, Moody entered Tuesday as the overwhelming favorite for the Republican nomination and delivered a decisive victory.

The Associated Press projected Moody the winner Tuesday night. Her nearly 80% share of the Republican primary vote demonstrated her strength among GOP voters heading into the general election.

The Florida Division of Elections lists Moody as the Republican incumbent and a qualified candidate for the 2026 general election.

FROM FLORIDA ATTORNEY GENERAL TO U.S. SENATE

Moody entered the Senate with a statewide political base already established.

Before joining the U.S. Senate, Moody served as Florida attorney general. Gov. Ron DeSantis selected her in January 2025 to succeed Rubio, who left the Senate after being chosen to serve as President Donald Trump’s secretary of state.

The 2026 special election will determine who serves the remainder of Rubio’s Senate term.

Moody now has something she did not have when she initially entered the Senate: the Republican nomination secured directly from Florida voters.

MOODY VS. NIXON

Tuesday produced sharply different paths to the nominations.

While Moody cruised to victory on the Republican side, Nixon delivered one of Florida’s biggest primary surprises by defeating retired Army Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman for the Democratic nomination.

Nixon won despite being significantly outspent by Vindman, turning the Democratic primary into a victory for the party’s progressive wing.

The results officially set up a November contest between two women with extensive experience in Florida politics: Moody, the former state attorney general and incumbent Republican senator, and Nixon, a Jacksonville state representative known for aggressively challenging DeSantis and Republican policies in Tallahassee.

SPECIAL ELECTION CARRIES NATIONAL STAKES

Florida’s Senate contest could also have implications beyond the state.

Republicans are seeking to defend their Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections, while Democrats are searching nationwide for opportunities to gain seats.

Florida, however, has shifted toward Republicans in recent election cycles, giving Moody a significant structural advantage entering the general election. Reuters reported after the primary that Moody is favored in the matchup.

Nixon’s victory gives Democrats a nominee with a sharply different political profile and campaign strategy.

That contrast could make the race a broader test of competing political movements: Florida’s increasingly powerful Republican establishment against a progressive Democratic campaign attempting to mobilize working-class, younger and traditionally Democratic voters.

TWO VERY DIFFERENT POLITICAL RECORDS

The general election also pits two candidates whose political identities were forged on opposite sides of Florida’s major partisan battles.

As attorney general, Moody became closely associated with DeSantis and Florida’s Republican leadership before the governor appointed her to the Senate.

Nixon built much of her statewide profile by confronting that same Republican leadership from the Florida House floor.

In 2022, Nixon joined fellow Democratic lawmakers in a House floor sit-in protesting a DeSantis-backed congressional redistricting plan.

Those competing political histories now move from Tallahassee to a statewide federal contest.

NOVEMBER: ASHLEY MOODY VS. ANGIE NIXON

The Nov. 3 special election will give Florida voters the final say over who holds the Senate seat.

For Moody, the campaign is about converting an appointment into an electoral mandate and keeping the seat in Republican hands.

For Nixon, the challenge is considerably different: turning an upset Democratic primary victory into a statewide coalition capable of defeating a Republican incumbent in a state that has moved toward the GOP.

If Nixon wins, she would become Florida’s first Black U.S. senator.

Tuesday’s primaries settled the nominations.

Now Florida’s U.S. Senate special election becomes Ashley Moody vs. Angie Nixon — an incumbent Republican former attorney general against a progressive Democratic state lawmaker — with control of a Florida Senate seat at stake.