Republican Sen. Ashley Moody and Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon won their respective primary elections on Tuesday, setting up a November general election contest for Florida’s U.S. Senate seat. The winners will complete the remaining two years of the term vacated by former Sen. Marco Rubio, who was appointed U.S. secretary of state earlier this year.
Moody secures GOP nomination with overwhelming support
Republican incumbent Ashley Moody won the primary with nearly 80% of the vote, defeating challengers Chris Gleason, Neelam Perry, and Ernest Rivera. Moody, a former Florida attorney general and federal prosecutor, was appointed to the Senate by Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2025 after Rubio’s resignation. She has emphasized law enforcement support and conservative policies during her tenure.
Nixon defeats Vindman in Democratic primary
Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon won the Democratic nomination with approximately 56% of the vote, defeating retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who received about 44%. Nixon, a Jacksonville lawmaker and former union organizer, ran on progressive policies including Medicare for All, rent control, and expanded healthcare access. Vindman, a former National Security Council official known for his role in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment, had raised significantly more campaign funds but lost to Nixon’s grassroots support.
General election sets up contrasting visions
Moody and Nixon will face each other in the November 3 general election. Moody’s campaign highlights her law enforcement background and conservative record, while Nixon’s platform centers on economic and social justice issues. The race is expected to be competitive, with Florida’s shifting political landscape shaping the outcome.
Background on the candidates
- Ashley Moody: Appointed to the Senate in 2025 after serving as Florida’s attorney general (2019–2025) and a federal prosecutor. She is endorsed by former President Donald Trump and has focused on border security and economic policies.
- Angie Nixon: A fifth-term Florida House member representing Jacksonville, Nixon has been a vocal critic of Republican-led policies in the state. She identifies as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America and has led progressive advocacy efforts, including protests against redistricting measures.
The November election will determine who serves the remainder of Rubio’s original six-year Senate term, which concludes in early 2029.