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Florida Democratic voters delivered another shock upset to the party establishment by nominating state Rep. Angie Nixon<\/a>, a democratic socialist, over Alex Vindman<\/a>, a moderate former national security professional who played a central role in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment<\/a>.<\/p>\n Democrats have hoped to mount a comeback in the diverse, populous and economically dynamic state but have struggled to craft a message that resonates with the state\u2019s electorate. Nixon’s upset sets up a long-shot challenge to U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody, a former state attorney general who Gov. Ron DeSantis selected to fill the seat<\/a> after it was vacated by Marco Rubio, who Trump chose as secretary of state. <\/p>\n The race has already inflamed tensions within the Democratic Party over how to energize liberal voters eager for unapologetic, combative candidates while not alienating independents and moderates who have been key to winning in battlegrounds. <\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re surprised by tonight\u2019s election results, you haven\u2019t been paying enough attention to what\u2019s happening in the South,\u201d Britney Whaley, the southeast regional director of the Working Families Party, which backs populist candidates. \u201cTonight\u2019s election results must be a wake-up call to a political establishment that believes a populist message can\u2019t win in the South. Angie\u2019s campaign proves voters will respond to a bold economic vision that meets their basic needs.\u201d<\/p>\n A spirited progressive who had the backing of Reps. Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Nixon recently joined the Democratic Socialists of America. She championed policies like universal healthcare and childcare and has been an outspoken critic of U.S. foreign policy and the war in Gaza.<\/p>\n