Jacksonville state representative declares grassroots victory, targets Ashley Moody and says Democrats have 77 days to flip Florida’s U.S. Senate seat

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (FNN) — State Rep. Angie Nixon declared that “Floridians have voted for change” after winning the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate, portraying her primary victory as a rejection of corporate political influence and the beginning of a 77-day general election campaign against Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody.

Nixon used her victory statement to emphasize the grassroots nature of her campaign and outline an economic agenda focused on lowering costs, raising wages and expanding health care.

“We did it,” Nixon said. “We won this primary without taking a dime of corporate PAC money. No corporate checks. No billionaire-funded machine. Just a 100% grassroots campaign powered by people like you.”

NIXON: FLORIDA VOTERS ‘WANT SOMEONE WHO WILL FIGHT’

Nixon characterized her victory as part of broader voter frustration with the political establishment.

“Florida voters were fed up,” Nixon said. “They made it clear that they want someone who will fight for the change that actually helps their lives such as lower costs, higher wages, Medicare for All, and a people-powered government that prioritizes families.”

Her victory gives Florida Democrats a progressive nominee who has spent years battling Republican policies from the floor of the Florida House.

Nixon’s campaign now faces the considerably larger challenge of converting that primary coalition into enough statewide support to defeat Moody in November.

GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN DEFEATS BETTER-FUNDED OPPONENT

Nixon’s victory over retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman was also a significant test of campaign money versus grassroots organizing.

Vindman entered the race with national recognition and substantially greater financial resources, while Nixon emphasized small-dollar donors and her refusal to accept corporate PAC contributions.

Following the result, Vindman quickly endorsed his former primary rival.

“Rep. Nixon ran a strong campaign,” Vindman said in his election-night statement. “I will be standing by her side in the fight against Ashley Moody.”

The endorsement gives Nixon an early opportunity to begin unifying Democrats after the primary.

NIXON POINTS TO BATTLES WITH DESANTIS, MAGA MOVEMENT

Nixon also used her victory speech to highlight her history of confrontation with Gov. Ron DeSantis and conservative political activists.

“The opposition threw everything they had at us,” Nixon said. “Ron DeSantis had me censured. I was arrested. MAGA tried scaring me.”

Nixon continued: “They tried to intimidate us, silence us, and stop this movement. They failed.”

Those assertions were made by Nixon in her campaign statement. The circumstances surrounding her censure and arrest provide important context when reporting those claims independently.

Nixon has developed a reputation as one of the Florida Legislature’s most outspoken

MIAMI, Fla. (FNN) — South Florida Congresswoman Frederica Wilson has announced she will not seek reelection to Florida’s 24th Congressional District, creating an open-seat race that is expected to draw significant attention ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

Even before Wilson’s retirement announcement became public, Dr. Rudolph “Rudy” Moise had already shifted his political focus. Moise withdrew from the crowded race for Florida’s 20th Congressional District to pursue a campaign for the seat currently held by Wilson.

Moise Brings Military, Medical, Legal, and Business Experience

Moise is a longtime physician, attorney, businessman, and retired U.S. Air Force colonel. Over the years, he has built a public profile through his medical practice, community involvement, and repeated campaigns for federal office in South Florida.

His decision to enter the race immediately positions him among the most recognizable candidates seeking to succeed Wilson in Congress.

No Stranger to Running Against Wilson

Moise is no stranger to challenging Wilson at the ballot box.

He previously mounted two congressional campaigns against the longtime Democratic incumbent but was unsuccessful in his efforts to unseat her. Despite those defeats, Moise maintained a visible presence in South Florida politics and continued advocating on issues related to healthcare, economic development, public safety, and government accountability.

With Wilson now stepping aside, Moise will have his first opportunity to compete for the seat without facing the incumbent congresswoman.

Political observers note that Moise’s prior campaigns have given him valuable name recognition and an established network of supporters throughout Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Redistricting Could Reshape the Political Landscape

Florida’s congressional map underwent significant changes following redistricting approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The revised boundaries altered several congressional districts across the state, including portions of South Florida.

The new district configuration could create different political dynamics than those Moise faced during his previous campaigns against Wilson.

As candidates begin to organize for the 2026 election cycle, the open-seat contest is expected to attract a competitive field of Democratic and Republican contenders seeking to represent one of South Florida’s most prominent congressional districts.

With Wilson’s departure ending an era in South Florida politics, voters will soon decide who will succeed the veteran congresswoman and represent Florida’s 24th Congressional District in Washington.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (FNN) — Ron DeSantis on Thursday received 11 bills from the Florida Legislature addressing issues ranging from agriculture and coastal resiliency to drug prices and public records.

The measures now await the governor’s review and signature, veto or approval without signature.

The bills sent to the governor include:

• CS/CS/CS/SB 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

• CS/SB 844 — Sickle Cell Disease Care Management and Treatment Continuing Education

• CS/CS/SB 302 — Coastal Resiliency

• SB 386 — Farm Equipment

• CS/CS/CS/HB 1417 — Department of Environmental Protection

• HB 7011 — A Review under the Open Government Sunset Review Act

• CS/HB 697 — Drug Prices and Coverage

• HB 569 — Forensic Client Services

• CS/CS/CS/HB 1443 — Parkinson’s Disease Registry

• CS/HB 1445 — Public Records

• CS/CS/CS/HB 399 — Land Use and Development Regulations

Under Florida law, the governor has until April 2, 2026, to act on the legislation.