Tuesday’s primary elections in Florida delivered a blend of surprise victories and setbacks for candidates aligned with former President Donald Trump. The most notable upset came in the Democratic Senate primary, where Democratic Socialist of America (DSA) member and state Representative Angie Nixon defeated retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman by a margin of nearly 12 points.
Socialist upset in the Senate primary
Nixon entered the race with roughly $1 million in campaign funds, while Vindman spent about $16.3 million, a nine‑to‑one advantage. Despite the disparity, Nixon’s message resonated with Democratic primary voters, giving her a clear path to the statewide Senate contest where she will face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody.
Trump‑endorsed winners and losers
Former U.S. Representative Byron Donalds, who received an endorsement from Trump, secured the Republican nomination for governor with 47 % of the vote, outpacing Lt. Gov. Jay Collins (25 %) and outsider James Fishback (10.5 %). Donalds will now challenge former Republican congressman‑turned‑Democrat David Jolly, the Democratic nominee.
In a separate special Senate primary, Trump‑backed Sen. Ashley Moody won the nomination to complete the term of former Sen. Marco Rubio, who left the seat to join the Trump administration. Rep. Randy Fine, also endorsed by Trump, easily retained his seat in Florida’s 6th Congressional District.
Not all Trump‑backed candidates fared well. Incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, who faced a House Ethics Committee investigation and personal allegations, lost his 7th District race to former TV anchor Ryan Elijah. Additionally, Catalina Lauf, who received a late endorsement from Trump, was defeated by media executive Jim Schwartzel in the crowded 19th District race.
Other notable races
Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, redistricted into the newly drawn 20th Congressional District, won her primary against several challengers, including self‑identified socialist activist Elijah Manley. In the 25th District, Rep. Jared Moskowitz defeated DSA member Oliver Larkin, who advocated for the abolition of ICE and a suite of progressive policies.
Across the country, Wyoming’s Senate primary saw Trump‑endorsed Rep. Harriet Hageman win decisively, while the state’s gubernatorial primary favored state Sen. Eric Barlow over Trump’s choice, Megan Degenfelder.
Implications for the November ballot
The Florida results set the stage for a competitive November election. Nixon’s unexpected primary win positions a socialist‑aligned candidate against incumbent Sen. Ashley Moody, a race that will likely draw national attention. Meanwhile, Donalds’ victory secures a Trump‑backed contender for governor, reinforcing the former president’s influence in the state’s Republican ranks.
Trump celebrated the night’s victories on his social platform, posting, “A lot of great WINS tonight!!!” while acknowledging the mixed outcomes for his endorsed candidates.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
