Democratic socialist challengers face uphill battle in Florida primaries

Three candidates who describe themselves as democratic socialists are on the ballot in Florida’s August 18 Democratic primaries for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. The challengers – activist Oliver Larkin, progressive activist Elijah Manley and state Rep. Angie Nixon – are running against incumbent or well-known Democratic officeholders in districts that have been recently redrawn by the Republican-controlled state legislature.

Larkin, a union organizer endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America, is contesting the newly created 25th Congressional District against Rep. Jared Moskowitz. He argues for policies such as universal child care, paid family leave and Medicare for All, saying the proposals are “a populist message” that aligns with practices in other developed nations.

Manley, who identifies as a democratic socialist but is not a DSA member, is challenging former DNC chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz in the 20th Congressional District, a district that was also reshaped by the legislature. Nixon, a DSA member, is running in the Senate primary against retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman.

Political scientists and analysts note the difficulty of the campaign. Tara Newsom, a professor of political science at St. Petersburg College, said the race could be “very long and challenging” for the progressive candidates. Kyle Kondik, managing editor of the nonpartisan Sabato’s Crystal Ball, added that “Florida voters are not ready to support these far-left candidates,” and warned that a primary upset could jeopardize Democratic chances in the general election.

The primaries also include other notable contests, such as former Rep. Mary Peltola’s bid in Alaska’s nonpartisan primary and the Republican gubernatorial primary, where Rep. Byron Donalds leads with endorsements and fundraising advantages.